KR101627266B1 - Automatic selection of coordinating functionality in a hybrid communication network - Google Patents

Abstract

A hybrid device that implements a number of networking technologies (e.g., wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies, powerline communication technologies, Ethernet, etc.) using respective interfaces 114, 116, 112, 102, 118, and 120 may be configured to perform operations for selecting the sole tuning function in the hybrid communication network 100. In one example, a single master device (e.g., a hybrid device configured with both a registrar and a central access point (CAP)) may be selected. The hybrid device may send search messages to identify existing hybrid devices and / or to identify other hybrid devices that compete to become master devices. The hybrid device having the preferred device identifier is selected as the master device. In another example, the operations for selecting an adjustment function are separated into two independent stages, a CAP selection stage and a registrar selection stage. In the CAP selection stage, a hybrid device having at least a preferred device weight is configured as a CAP. In the registrar selection stage, similar operations can be performed to select the registrar. The registrar is preferably an IEEE P1905.1 registrar. In addition to CAPs and registrars, standby CAPs and standby registrars can be selected. CAP 102 is coupled to network gateway 124 via a single communication medium and is directly connected to an external network (e.g., the Internet). The weight of the hybrid device may be based on the number of WLAN communication bands.

Description

[0001] AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF COORDINATING FUNCTIONALITY IN A HYBRID COMMUNICATION NETWORK IN A HYBRID COMMUNICATION NETWORK [0002]

[0001] This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Application No. 13 / 840,566, filed March 15, 2013.
[0002] Embodiments of the inventive subject matter generally relate to the field of communication networks, and more particularly to automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network.

[0003] Hybrid communication networks typically include a number of network devices that implement a number of networking technologies (eg, wireless local area network (WLAN) technologies, powerline communication technologies, Ethernet, etc.). Typically, communication mechanisms and protocol specifications (e.g., device and topology discovery, bridging to other networks, etc.) are unique to each networking technology. A number of networking technologies are typically interconnected using bridge-enabled devices that forward frames between different network technologies and media to form a single, extended communications network. Hybrid communication networks typically present multiple frame forwarding routes between any two hybrid devices.
BACKGROUND ART [0002] Techniques as a background of the present invention are disclosed in the following patent publications.
[Document 1] WO 2008/032976 A1 (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO) 2008.03.20
[Document 2] WO 2014/149147 A1 (QUALCOMM INC) 2014.09.25
[Document 3] EP 2,562,962 A2 (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO) 2013.02.27

[0004] Various embodiments for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises: transmitting, from a first hybrid device of a hybrid communication network, an advertising message comprising a first device weight associated with a first hybrid device; Determining if an advertisement message is received within a first predetermined search time interval from at least a second hybrid device of the hybrid communication network; Configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that no advertisement message is received from at least the second hybrid device in a first predetermined search time interval, Communicatively coupled to a gateway of the hybrid communication network via a communication medium; And determining, based at least in part on a first device weight and a second device weight associated with at least a second hybrid device, in response to determining that an advertisement message is received from at least a second hybrid device in a first predetermined search time interval, And selecting a central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0005] In some embodiments, the step of selecting the central access point includes selecting a first device weight, a second device weight, a first device identifier associated with a first hybrid device, and a second hybrid associated with at least a second hybrid device, And selecting the central access point based at least in part on one or more of the devices.
[0006] In some embodiments, the step of selecting the central access point comprises: selecting the first hybrid device as the central access point of the hybrid communication network if the first device weight is preferred over the second device weight; Selecting a second hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network if the second device weight is preferred over the first device weight; And selecting a first hybrid device or a second hybrid device associated with the preferred device identifier as the central access point of the hybrid communication network if the first device weight is equal to the second device weight.
[0007] In some embodiments, the method further comprises configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network, wherein the standby central access point is configured to determine whether the first hybrid device has a preferred device weight Or is operable to become the central access point if the first hybrid device is associated with the preferred device weight and is not associated with the preferred device identifier if the current central access point is disabled in the hybrid communication network .
[0008] In some embodiments, the method includes determining whether the first hybrid device should compete to become a central access point of the hybrid communication network; The method further comprises configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the first hybrid device should compete to become a central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0009] In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the first hybrid device should compete to become a central access point of the hybrid communication network comprises: determining whether the network interface of the first hybrid device is a hybrid Determining if it is communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the communication network; And determining that the first hybrid device should compete to become a central access point of the hybrid communication network, in response to determining that the network interface of the first hybrid device is communicatively coupled to the network gateway.
[0010] In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the first hybrid device should compete to become a central access point of the hybrid communication network comprises: in a first hybrid device, a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) And determining if it is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the hybrid device.
[0011] In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the DHCP server is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the first hybrid device comprises: transmitting one or more discovery messages from the network interface of the first hybrid device; And determining whether the DHCP server is communicatively coupled to the network interface based at least in part on whether one or more response messages have been received within the predetermined discovery time interval.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first device weight is determined by determining whether the first hybrid device is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the hybrid communication network, the device capabilities of the first hybrid device, and the communication link speed Based on at least in part.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first hybrid device is configured as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, the method comprising: adjusting a first device weight by a predetermined factor; And transmitting from the first hybrid device one or more advertising messages comprising the adjusted first device weight.
[0014] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an advertisement message from a third hybrid device of the hybrid communication network, the advertisement message including a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device; And comparing the adjusted first device weight and the third device weight to determine if the first hybrid device should be configured and maintained as a central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0015] In some embodiments, if the first hybrid device is configured as a central access point, the method includes receiving from the third hybrid device of the hybrid communication network an advertisement message comprising a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device Receiving; If the first device weight is preferred over the third device weight, maintaining the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network; Comparing the first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device and the second device identifier associated with the third hybrid device if the first device weight is equal to the third device weight; If the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier, maintaining the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network if the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier; And selecting the third hybrid device as the central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0016] In some embodiments, configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network further comprises: from the first hybrid device, the first hybrid device is no longer a central access point of the hybrid communication network And sending a notification message indicating that the message is not available.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first hybrid device is configured as a standby central access point, the third hybrid device is configured as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, and the method includes, in the first hybrid device, Detecting a notification message from a third hybrid device indicating that the device is no longer a central access point; Determining that a first device weight is preferred over a third device weight associated with a third hybrid device; And sending one or more advertising messages including a first device weight indicating that the first hybrid device is to become a central access point.
[0018] In some embodiments, in response to transmitting one or more advertising messages, the method further comprises: if the response message for one or more advertising messages is not received within a second predetermined search time interval, To a central access point of the hybrid communication network, wherein the second predetermined search time interval is shorter than the first predetermined search time interval.
[0019] In some embodiments, in response to sending one or more advertising messages, the method further comprises: when the response message for one or more advertising messages is received within a second predetermined search time interval, 4 device weight is preferred over the first device weight, or the fourth device weight is equal to the first device weight, the second device identifier indicated in the response message is preferred over the first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device ; Transmitting from the first hybrid device a notification message indicating that the first hybrid device is no longer competing to become a central access point of the hybrid communication network; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point.
[0020] In some embodiments, the first hybrid device is configured as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, the method comprising: determining, at the first hybrid device, whether the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar; In response to determining that the hybrid communication network does not include registrars, configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network, in response to determining that the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar, wherein the atmospheric registrar is configured to, if the registrar from the hybrid communication network is disabled, Of the registrar.
[0021] In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar comprises: transmitting, from a first hybrid device, one or more registrar discovery messages on a hybrid communication network; If the response to the registrar discovery messages is not received within the predetermined registrar discovery time interval, determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a registrar; And determining, when a response to the registrar discovery messages is received within a predetermined registrar discovery time interval, that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar.
[0022] In some embodiments, the first hybrid device is configured as a registrar of a hybrid communication network, the method comprising: transmitting, from a first hybrid device, one or more registrar discovery messages on a hybrid communication network; If the response to the registrar discovery messages is not received within the predetermined registrar search time interval, configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar.
[0023] In some embodiments, the method includes determining that the first hybrid device includes at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band; And competing to become the current registrar of the hybrid communication network, in response to determining that the first hybrid device includes at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band.
[0024] In some embodiments, the step of competing to become the current registrar of the hybrid communication network comprises receiving from the first hybrid device a first registrar advertisement message comprising a first registrar weight associated with the first hybrid device Transmitting; Transmitting, from a first hybrid device, one or more registrar discovery messages on a hybrid communication network; Determining whether a response to one or more registrar discovery messages has been received within a predetermined registrar search time interval; And if the response to one or more registrar discovery messages is received within a predetermined registrar discovery time interval, determining that the hybrid communication network includes the current registrar; Configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar-the standby registrar is operable to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network if the current registrar is disabled from the hybrid communication network; One or more communication bands configured to operate the first hybrid device, and one or more communication bands configured to operate the current registrar, wherein the first registrar's credentials, the current registrar's credentials, Further comprising the steps of:
[0025] In some embodiments, the first registrar weight may comprise one or more of a plurality of enabled access points associated with the first hybrid device, a first hybrid device coupled to the network interface of the hybrid communication network, Whether the first hybrid device is the central access point of the hybrid communication network, and whether the first hybrid device is the current registrar of the hybrid communication network.
[0026] In some embodiments, the step of determining one or more credentials associated with the first hybrid device comprises: configuring the current registrar to operate on a plurality of communication bands, wherein the first hybrid device comprises a plurality of communication bands For each subset of the plurality of communication bands configured to operate the first hybrid device, the first hybrid for the communication band according to the credentials of the current registrar for the communication band, Cloning the credentials of the device; And if the current registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, determining whether the first hybrid device and the current registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; In response to determining that the first hybrid device and the current registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band, replicating the credentials of the first hybrid device for the communication band according to the current registrar credentials for the communication band ; And determining that the credentials of the first hybrid device are not replicated according to the credentials of the current registrar in response to determining that the first hybrid device and the current registrar are not configured to operate on the same communication band .
[0027] In some embodiments, the method further comprises replicating the credentials of the first hybrid device according to the credentials of the current registrar for each communication band configured to operate the first hybrid device, Transmitting a credential replication indication in the network; And determining whether to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network, based at least in part on a first registrar weight associated with the first hybrid device and a second registrar weight associated with the current registrar of the hybrid communication network.
[0028] In some embodiments, if the current registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, and the first hybrid device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, then one or more credentials associated with the first hybrid device Wherein the determining step comprises determining for a first communication band among a plurality of communication bands that the current registrar and the first hybrid device are configured to operate according to the credentials of the current registrar for the first communication band, Cloning the credentials of the first hybrid device to the band; And copying the credentials for the first communication band to the rest of the plurality of communication bands, among the plurality of communication bands, for the remainder that is configured to operate the first hybrid device and not configured to operate the current registrar do.
[0029] In some embodiments, the step of determining that the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar, when it is determined that the current registrar is configured to operate on a preferred operating communication band of the first hybrid device, Configuring the device to operate on a first communication band; And if it is determined that the registrar is not configured to operate on the preferred operating communication band of the first hybrid device, identifying the preferred operating communication band of the current registrar; And determining if the first hybrid device can be configured to operate on the current registrar's preferred operating communication band.
[0030] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining that the third hybrid device has sent a second registrar advertisement message within a predetermined registrar search time interval; Further comprising comparing the first registrar weight against a second registrar weight associated with the third hybrid device to determine whether to configure the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network.
[0031] In some embodiments, the step of comparing the first registrar weight with respect to the second registrar weight may comprise comparing the first registrar weight with a registrar weight of the hybrid communication network, ; Selecting a third hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network if the second registrar weight is preferred over the first registrar weight; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network; Comparing the first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device to a second device identifier associated with the third hybrid device if the first registrar weight is equal to the second registrar weight; If the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier, configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network; And selecting the third hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network and configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network if the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier.
[0032] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, at the first hybrid device, determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a central access point, the central access point communicating with a gateway of the hybrid communication network via a single communication medium Possibly coupled; Transmitting, from the first hybrid device, a first advertisement message indicating the intent of the first hybrid device to be a central access point of the hybrid communication network, in response to determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a central access point; Determining whether to configure the first hybrid device as a central access point based at least in part on whether a second advertisement message has been received from the second hybrid device of the hybrid communication network.
[0033] In some embodiments, in response to determining that a second advertisement message has been received within a predetermined time interval from the second hybrid device, the method further comprises determining a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device and a second hybrid identifier associated with the second hybrid device, Comparing a second device identifier associated with the device; Configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier; And selecting a second hybrid device as the central access point of the hybrid communication network and selecting the first hybrid device as a standby central access point in the hybrid communication network, in response to determining that the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier, . ≪ / RTI >
[0034] In some embodiments, in response to determining from the second hybrid device that a second advertisement message has not been received within a predetermined time interval, the method further comprises transmitting the first hybrid device to a central access point of the hybrid communication network The method comprising the steps of:
[0035] In some embodiments, in response to configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, the method further comprises configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network .
[0036] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining, at the first hybrid device, whether a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the first hybrid device; Determining that the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the DHCP server is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the first hybrid device; And determining that the first hybrid device should not compete to become the central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the DHCP server is not communicatively coupled to the network interface of the first hybrid device .
[0037] In some embodiments, determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a central access point comprises transmitting one or more discovery messages from a first hybrid device, receiving one or more discovery response messages within a predetermined search time interval, Is received; Determining, in response to determining that one or more discovery response messages have been received within a predetermined search time interval, determining that the hybrid communication network includes a central access point; And exchanging one or more communications with the central access point to determine how to configure the first hybrid device; Determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a central access point in response to determining that one or more discovery response messages have not been received within a predetermined search time interval.
[0038] In some embodiments, the method includes determining if the first hybrid device of the hybrid communication network includes at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band; If it is determined that the first hybrid device includes at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band, determining, at the first hybrid device, whether the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar; And determining, based at least in part on determining whether the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar, configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network; And determining that the first hybrid device is not configured as a registrar of the hybrid communication network if it is determined that the first hybrid device does not include any enabled access points.
[0039] In some embodiments, the method comprises: configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network, in response to determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a registrar; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar, wherein the atmospheric registrar is configured to perform the hybrid communication, when the registrar from the hybrid communication network is disabled, It is operable to become a registrar of the network.
[0040] In some embodiments, the step of determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar comprises: transmitting, from a first hybrid device, one or more registrar discovery messages on a hybrid communication network; Determining that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar if one or more registrar discovery messages are received within a predetermined registrar search time interval; And one or more communication devices associated with the first hybrid device, based at least in part on the credentials of the registrar, one or more communication bands configured to operate the first hybrid device, and one or more communication bands configured to operate the registrar, And a step of determining the number of steps.
[0041] In some embodiments, the step of determining one or more credentials associated with the first hybrid device comprises configuring the registrar to operate on a plurality of communication bands, wherein the first hybrid device comprises at least one of a plurality of communication bands For each subset of the plurality of communication bands configured to operate the first hybrid device, the credentials of the first hybrid device for the communication band according to the credentials of the registrar for the communication band Cloning And if the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, determining whether the first hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; Replicating the credentials of the first hybrid device for the communication band in accordance with the registrar's credentials for the communication band, in response to determining that the first hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; And determining that the credentials of the first hybrid device are not replicated according to the credentials of the registrar in response to determining that the first hybrid device and the registrar are not configured to operate on the same communication band.
[0042] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: after replicating the credentials of the first hybrid device for each communication band in which the first hybrid device is configured to operate, the first registrar weight associated with the first hybrid device, Further comprising determining, based at least in part on a second registrar weight associated with a registrar of the hybrid communication network, whether to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network.
[0043] In some embodiments, if the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, and if the first hybrid device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, determining one or more credentials associated with the first hybrid device For the first communication band in which the registrar and the first hybrid device are configured to operate, the first hybrid for the first communication band according to the credentials of the registrar for the first communication band, Cloning the credentials of the device; And copying the credentials for the first communication band to the rest of the plurality of communication bands, among the plurality of communication bands, for the remainder that the first hybrid device is configured to operate and the registrar is not configured to operate with.
[0044] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: determining that the second hybrid device has sent a second registrar advertisement message within a predetermined registrar search time interval; Comparing a first registrar weight associated with a first hybrid device to a second registrar weight associated with a second hybrid device; Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network if the first registrar weight is preferred over the second registrar weight; Selecting a second hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network if the second registrar weight is preferred over the first registrar weight; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network; Comparing the first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device to a second device identifier associated with the second hybrid device if the first registrar weight is equal to the second registrar weight; If the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier, configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network; And selecting the second hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network and configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network if the second device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier.
[0045] In some embodiments, the first hybrid network device comprises: a processor; A configuration unit coupled to the processor, the configuration unit transmitting an advertisement message including a first device weight associated with the first hybrid network device; Determining if an advertisement message is received within a first predetermined search time interval from at least a second hybrid network device of the hybrid communication network; The first hybrid network device is configured as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that no advertisement message is received from at least the second hybrid network device in the first predetermined search time interval, Communicatively coupled to a gateway of the hybrid communication network via a single communication medium; And in response to determining that an advertisement message is received from at least a second hybrid network device in a first predetermined search time interval, determining a first device weight and a second device weight associated with at least a second hybrid network device based at least in part on a second device weight associated with at least the second hybrid network device. To select a central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0046] In some embodiments, a configuration unit configured to select a central access point may select a first hybrid network device as the central access point of the hybrid communication network if the first hybrid network device is associated with a preferred device weight And if the second hybrid network device is associated with the preferred device weight, then the second hybrid network device is selected as the central access point of the hybrid communication network, and both the first hybrid network device and the second hybrid network device are the preferred devices When associated with a weight, a first hybrid network device or a second hybrid network device associated with the preferred device identifier is selected as the central access point of the hybrid communication network And includes a constituent unit which is made of a material.
[0047] In some embodiments, after configuring the first hybrid network device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, the configuration unit adjusts the first device weight by a predetermined factor; And send one or more advertising messages including the adjusted first device weight.
[0048] In some embodiments, if the first hybrid network device is configured as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network and the third hybrid network device is configured as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, Detecting a notification message from a third hybrid network device indicating that the hybrid network device is no longer a central access point of the hybrid communication network; Determine that a first device weight is preferred over a third device weight associated with a third hybrid network device; The first hybrid network device is further configured to transmit one or more advertising messages including a first device weight, indicating that the first hybrid network device is to be a central access point.
[0049] In some embodiments, the hybrid network device comprises: a processor; And a configuration unit coupled to the processor, the configuration unit determining if the hybrid network device of the hybrid communication network comprises at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band; Determine if the hybrid network includes a registrar if it is determined that the hybrid network device includes at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band; Determine, based at least in part on determining whether the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar, configuring the hybrid network device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network; The hybrid network device is configured not to configure the hybrid network device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network if it is determined that the hybrid network device does not include any enabled access points.
In some embodiments, a configuration unit configured to determine whether a hybrid communication network includes a registrar is configured to: transmit one or more registrar discovery messages on a hybrid communication network; receive one or more registrar search messages within a predetermined registrar search time interval; The hybrid communication network determines that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar; Determine one or more credentials associated with the hybrid network device based at least in part on the credentials of the registrar, one or more communication bands configured to operate the hybrid network device, and one or more communication bands configured to operate the registrar And the like.
[0051] In some embodiments, a configuration unit configured to determine one or more credentials associated with a hybrid network device is configured such that the registrar is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, and wherein the hybrid network device includes at least one of a plurality of communication bands For each subset of the plurality of communication bands configured to operate the hybrid network device, the credentials of the hybrid network device for the communication bands according to the registrar's credentials for the communication band Replicate; If the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, determine whether the hybrid network device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; Replicate the credentials of the hybrid network device for the communication band in accordance with the registrar's credentials for the communication band, in response to determining that the hybrid network device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; In response to determining that the hybrid network device and the registrar are not configured to operate on the same communication band, determine that the credentials of the hybrid network device are not replicated in accordance with the registrar's credentials.
[0052] In some embodiments, if the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, and if the hybrid network device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, configured to determine one or more credentials associated with the hybrid network device The configuration unit is configured to determine, for a first communication band among the plurality of communication bands, the registrar and the hybrid network device to operate, the hybrid network device for the first communication band according to credentials of the registrar for the first communication band, Replicating the credentials of the user; Includes a configuration unit configured to copy the credentials for the first communication band to the rest of the plurality of communication bands, for a remainder of the plurality of communication bands, the hybrid network device configured to operate and not configured to operate the registrar do.
[0053] In some embodiments, the instructions are stored in a machine-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions for causing a processor to cause a processor to: receive, from a first hybrid device of a hybrid communication network, Transmitting an advertisement message including a first device weight; Determining if an advertisement message is received within a first predetermined search time interval from at least a second hybrid device of the hybrid communication network; The act of configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that no advertisement message is received from at least the second hybrid device in the first predetermined search time interval - Communicatively coupled to a gateway of the hybrid communication network via a communication medium; And determining, based at least in part on a first device weight and a second device weight associated with at least a second hybrid device, in response to determining that an advertisement message is received from at least a second hybrid device in a first predetermined search time interval, And selecting a central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0054] In some embodiments, after the operation of configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, operations may include receiving from the third hybrid device a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device Receiving an advertising message; Comparing the first device weight and the third device weight; Causing the first hybrid device to be configured and maintained as a central access point of the hybrid communication network if the first device weight is preferred over the third device weight; Configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network if the third device weight is preferred over the first device weight; And a third hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network; Comparing the first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device and the second device identifier associated with the third hybrid device if the first device weight is equal to the second device weight; If the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier, causing the first hybrid device to be configured and maintained as a central access point of the hybrid communication network; And configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network if the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier; And selecting the third hybrid device as the central access point of the hybrid communication network.
[0055] In some embodiments, if the first hybrid device is configured as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network and the third hybrid device is configured as a central access point of the hybrid communication network, operations may be performed on the first hybrid device Detecting a notification message from a third hybrid device indicating that the third hybrid device is no longer a central access point of the hybrid communication network; Determining that a first device weight is preferred over a second device weight associated with a second hybrid device; The method further comprises transmitting one or more advertising messages including a first device weight indicating that the first hybrid device will become the central access point.
[0056] In some embodiments, the instructions are stored on a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the instructions cause the processor to cause the hybrid device of the hybrid communication network to communicate with the at least one Determining whether the access point includes an enabled access point; If it is determined that the hybrid device includes at least one enabled access point in at least one operational communication band, determining, at the hybrid device, whether the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar; And determining, based at least in part on determining whether the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar, configuring the hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network; And determining to not configure the hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network if it is determined that the hybrid device does not include any enabled access points.
[0057] In some embodiments, the operation of determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar includes: sending one or more registrar discovery messages on a hybrid communication network; Determining that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar if one or more registrar discovery messages are received within a predetermined registrar search time interval; And one or more credentials associated with the hybrid device, based at least in part on the credentials of the registrar, one or more communication bands configured to operate the hybrid device, and one or more communication bands configured to operate the registrar ≪ / RTI >
[0058] In some embodiments, the operation of determining one or more credentials associated with the hybrid device is such that the registrar is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, and wherein the hybrid device operates on at least a subset of the plurality of communication bands Replicating the credentials of the hybrid device for the communication band according to the credentials of the registrar for the communication band, for each subset of the plurality of communication bands configured to operate the hybrid device; And if the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, determining if the hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; Replicating the credentials of the hybrid device for the communication band in accordance with the registrar's credentials for the communication band, in response to determining that the hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band; And determining that the credentials of the hybrid device are not replicated according to the credentials of the registrar in response to determining that the hybrid device and the registrar are not configured to operate on the same communication band.
[0059] In some embodiments, if the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band, and the hybrid device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, the operation of determining one or more credentials associated with the hybrid device comprises Of the communication bands of the first communication band, for the first communication band in which the registrar and the hybrid device are configured to operate, replicating the credentials of the hybrid device for the first communication band according to the credentials of the registrar for the first communication band ; And copying the credentials for the first communication band to the rest of the plurality of communication bands, for the remainder of the plurality of communication bands, wherein the hybrid device is configured to operate and the registrar is not configured to operate.

[0060] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the embodiments may be better understood, and many objects, features and advantages may become apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0061] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary hybrid communication network that includes a mechanism for selecting coordination functions of a hybrid communication network.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for selecting a central access point in a hybrid communication network.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a continuation of FIG. 2, illustrating exemplary operations for selecting a central access point and registrar in a hybrid communication network.
[0064] FIG. 4 is an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating one embodiment for selecting a central access point in a communications network.
[0065] FIG. 5 is a continuation of FIG. 4, illustrating exemplary operations for optimizing a process for selecting a central access point in a communication network.
[0066] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for selecting registrars in a communications network, based on the operating band capabilities of the network devices.
[0067] FIG. 7 is a continuation of FIG. 6, illustrating exemplary operations for selecting registrars of a communications network based on the operating band capabilities of the network devices.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for selecting a CAP and registrar for a hybrid communication network.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a continuation of FIG. 8, illustrating exemplary operations for selecting a CAP and registrar for a hybrid communication network.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an electronic device that includes a mechanism for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network.

[0071] The following description includes exemplary systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences and computer program products for implementing the teachings of the present inventive subject matter. It is understood, however, that the embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the examples refer to the configuration of wireless local area network (WLAN) interfaces (e.g., 802.11 compatible devices) of a hybrid device, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the configuration techniques described herein may be implemented using other suitable communication protocols and standards (e.g., power line communication (PLC) interfaces, such as HomePlug ^® AV interfaces, etc.). ≪ / RTI > Examples refer to operations for configuring a hybrid device having multiple network interfaces, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the configuration operations described herein may also be applied to legacy devices such as legacy WLAN devices and / or legacy PLC devices (e.g., network devices having a single network interface) . In other instances, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the description.
[0072] In a home network that includes a plurality of hybrid devices, each hybrid device may couple a hybrid device to a corresponding plurality of communication network segments or access technologies (i.e., Ethernet, WLAN, Coax, PLC, (E.g., a combination of a physical (PHY) layer and a medium access control (MAC) layer). Hybrid devices in a home network may need to be configured such that the home network includes only one master network device (e.g., a central access point (CAP) and registrar). A user is required to 1) determine how each network interface of each hybrid device of the home network should be configured to avoid communication loops in the home network, 2) for the best performance of the hybrid device and the home network, Manually configuring each network interface of each hybrid device of the home network, and 3) manually selecting the master network device or coordination function (e.g., the central access point and registrar) of the home network manually It can be troublesome. In addition, existing solutions (e.g., based on dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server detection on a network interface) may be suboptimal and may not consider the hybrid nature of the home network (or various device capabilities) have.
[0073] In some embodiments, the hybrid device is configured to allow the hybrid device to establish itself in a home network (eg, a P1905.1 hybrid communication network) with minimal network interference or other network devices without user intervention May be configured to execute the Total Configuration Algorithm (TCA) described herein for automatic configuration. The configuration unit of the hybrid device can determine and control the operation of the hybrid device during its initialization and its operation. In one embodiment (discussed in Figures 8-9), the configuration unit utilizes a two-stage process to ensure that there is no duplication of master network devices (e.g., registrar and CAP) functionality in the hybrid communication network . In the first stage, the hybrid device may send search messages to determine if the hybrid communication network already includes a master network device. During the first stage, the hybrid device may also listen to messages sent by other devices competing to become master network devices of the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid communication network does not include an existing master network device, and if messages from network devices competing to become master network devices are not received, then the hybrid device proceeds to the second stage, Can be periodically transmitted. When the hybrid device receives a message from another network device competing to become a master network device, the unique identifiers of the competing devices can be compared, and one of the network devices (in one example, May be selected as the master network device. If no messages are received from competing network devices to become a master network device, the hybrid device may be configured with a master network device (e.g., registrar and CAP) of the hybrid communication network.
[0074] In another embodiment (discussed in FIGS. 1-5), the configuration unit may separate the process of selecting an adjustment function into two independent processes, a CAP selection process and a registrar selection process. The CAP selection process and the registrar selection process may be executed in parallel or sequentially. In the CAP selection process, the hybrid device may send advertising messages (including device weights associated with the hybrid device) in the hybrid communication network. The hybrid device may also receive advertising messages from other network devices competing to become CAPs. The device weights associated with all network devices competing to become CAPs can be compared and one of the network devices can be compared to the CAPs (e.g., based on device weights and / or unique identifiers of network devices) Can be selected. In addition, a registrar selection process may be initiated (e.g., by a CAP or other network device) to select a registrar of the hybrid communication network, as will be described with reference to Figs. 6-7. If an existing registrar can not be identified, the CAP can become a registrar of the hybrid communication network. Automatic selection of CAPs and registrars can ensure that the hybrid communication network includes a single CAP and a single registrar. The use of weighting factors may enable more precise control over what the network device should consist of CAP and registrar. The automatic configuration of the hybrid device allows for a good / reliable connection to the hybrid device, configuring the access points in a hybrid communication network (if possible) using different communication channels, and a hybrid communication network ) And maximize the capacity of the hybrid communication network (e.g., WLAN coverage can be provided anywhere in the home network). The automatic configuration of the hybrid device may allow the user to plug in (or connect) to the hybrid devices in random order and at unpredictable locations. Hybrid devices can self-organize among themselves to discover each other and configure themselves without user intervention.
[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary hybrid communication network 100 that includes a mechanism for selecting coordination functions (eg, CAPs and registrars) of the hybrid communication network 100. Hybrid communication network 100 includes hybrid devices 102, 118 and 120, legacy WLAN device 122 and network gateway 124. Hybrid communication networks 100, The hybrid device 102 includes a communication unit 104. The communication unit 104 includes a configuration unit 106. Hybrid devices 102,118 and 120 may include a plurality of networks (e. G., A plurality of communication networks) utilizing a plurality of communication protocols (also referred to as access technologies) to couple hybrid device 102 to a plurality of communication networks. Interfaces. 1, the hybrid device 102 includes four network interfaces: an Ethernet interface 110, a PLC interface 112, a WLAN client station ("WLAN STA") interface 114 ) And a WLAN access point ("WLAN AP") interface 116. Hybrid devices 102, 118, and 120 may include any suitable number and type of network interfaces. Note that the legacy WLAN device 122 includes a single WLAN interface that couples the legacy WLAN device to the WLAN segment. However, the hybrid communication network 100 may include other types of legacy network devices, including a single type of network interface that couples legacy network devices to a corresponding single communication network segment (or access technology) Pay attention. 1, the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102 is coupled to the Ethernet interface (not shown) of the hybrid device 118 and the network gateway 124. The network gateway 124 couples the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., a home network) to an external communication network (e.g., the Internet). 1, the PLC interface 112 of the hybrid device 102 is coupled to the PLC interface (not shown) of the hybrid device 118 and the PLC interface (not shown) of the hybrid device 120. The WLAN AP interface 116 of the hybrid device 102 is coupled to the WLAN AP interface 116 of the hybrid device 120 while the WLAN STA interface 114 of the hybrid device 102 is coupled to the WLAN AP interface (not shown) of the hybrid device 120, (E.g., configured as a client station).
Each of the hybrid devices 102, 118, and 120 may include a plurality of communication protocols or access technologies, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smart device, a gaming console, Or other electronic devices configured to implement other suitable electronic devices. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the hybrid devices 118 and 120 may also include a communication unit and a configuration unit, as described with reference to the hybrid device 102. Similarly, legacy WLAN device 122 may be configured to implement a single communication protocol or access technology, for example, a laptop computer, tablet computer, mobile phone, smart device, gaming console, access point, desktop computer, Lt; / RTI > In some embodiments, each of the communication units of hybrid devices 102, 118 and 120 and legacy WLAN device 122 may be a system-on-a-chip (SoC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) And may be implemented on any other suitable integrated circuit that enables network communications on each network device. In some embodiments, each of the communication units may comprise one or more processors and memory, and each may be implemented in one or more integrated circuits on one or more circuit boards of their respective network devices.
Each hybrid device of the hybrid communication network 100 may be configured to: 1) a central access point (CAP) of the hybrid communication network; or 2) a CAP that is not a CAP but can be a CAP if an existing CAP fails or is disabled. CAP, or 3) non-CAP, not a standby CAP. In addition, the hybrid device may be further selected as: 1) a registrar of a hybrid communication network, or 2) an atmospheric registrar that is not an active registrar but can become an active registrar if an existing registrar fails or disappears from the network. In some embodiments, when a hybrid device (e.g., hybrid device 102) is connected in the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 (e.g., a configuration unit) / RTI > and / or a registrar of the hybrid communication network. Various operations for CAP and / or registrar selection in the hybrid communication network may be performed as discussed further below.
[0078] In some implementations, the communication unit 106 transmits one or more advertising messages, including device weights, to compete to be CAPs of the hybrid communication network. The configuration unit 106 may first determine if the hybrid device 102 should compete to become the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. [ The CAP may be a hybrid device coupled to the network gateway 124 of the hybrid communication network 100 via a single communication medium. In some embodiments, the CAP (and the standby CAP) may be directly connected to the network gateway 124 of the hybrid communication network 100 at any time (e.g., there may be one hop or one communication link apart) . In one example, the CAP may be a hybrid device that communicatively couples to the network gateway 124 over the Ethernet interface 110 and over the Ethernet segment of the hybrid communication network 100. In other embodiments, the CAP is communicatively coupled to the network gateway 124 (e.g., a PLC interface) via any suitable network interface (e.g., a PLC interface) via a corresponding network segment (e.g., a PLC network segment) of the hybrid communication network 100 ) May be directly coupled (e. G., There may be a one-hop or one communication link away therefrom). In general, a CAP may be a hybrid device that is directly coupled to an external network (e.g., the Internet) (e.g., may be a one-hop or one communication link away from it). In some embodiments, the network gateway 124 may be a network device that connects the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., a home network) to an external network (e.g., providing Internet access to a home network) have. For example, if the hybrid communication network 100 is a home network, the CAP may also support a home router (e.g., other wireless / wired communication technologies, e.g., a PLC) that directly connects to the network gateway 124 Gt; WLAN < / RTI > communication capabilities). The CAP can serve as an anchor point for configuring WLAN topologies. 1, hybrid unit 102 is coupled to the gateway 124 of hybrid communication network 100 via an Ethernet segment, so that configuration unit 106 is configured to allow hybrid device 102 to communicate with hybrid communication network 100 100) CAPs to be competitive. However, if the hybrid device is not coupled to the network gateway 124 via a single communication medium, then the configuration unit 106 may determine that the hybrid device 102 is a non-CAP device and becomes the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 You can decide not to compete for. After determining that the hybrid device 102 can compete to become a CAP, the communication unit 104 may send one or more advertising messages (e.g., a selection advertisement (EA) including device weights associated with the hybrid device 102 ) Messages). In some embodiments, the device weights associated with the hybrid device 102 may be based on the number of WLAN communication bands where the hybrid device 102 may operate as an access point, as further described above with reference to Figures 2 and 6, , Whether the hybrid device 102 is coupled to the network gateway 124, device capabilities (e.g., radio configuration), communication link speed, and other such factors. It is noted that in some embodiments, the hybrid device 102 may send broadcast advertisement messages or multicast advertisement messages to one or more network devices in the hybrid communication network 100. Specifically, when transmitting advertising messages, the hybrid device 102 may ensure that all network devices configured to perform the operations described herein receive advertising messages.
[0079] Device weights associated with hybrid devices competing to become CAPs are compared. After sending the advertising messages (as discussed above), the communication unit 104 may listen to the advertising messages sent by other hybrid devices competing to become CAPs. For example, the hybrid devices 118 and 120 may send advertising messages that include their respective device weights. The configuration unit 106 may compare the device weights associated with the hybrid devices 102, 118, and 120 to identify one or more hybrid devices associated with the preferred (or best) device weight. In one example, the configuration unit 106 may identify one or more hybrid devices associated with the highest device weight. Note that the configuration unit 106 may designate the hybrid device 102 as a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 if the communication unit 104 does not receive advertising messages from other hybrid devices within a predetermined time interval do.
[0080] If only one of the hybrid devices competing to become a CAP is associated with the preferred (or best) device weight, then such hybrid device with the preferred device weight is selected as the CAP. For example, if the hybrid device 102 is associated with a preferred device weight, the hybrid device 102 may be selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. However, if more than two of the hybrid devices competing to become CAPs are associated with the preferred device weights, the hybrid device with the preferred device weight and the preferred (or best) device identifier is selected as the CAP. For example, if two or more of the hybrid devices competing to become CAPs are associated with the highest device weight, then the hybrid device with the highest device weight and lowest device identifier is selected as the CAP. 1, if both hybrid devices 102 and 118 are associated with the preferred device weights, then the configuration unit 106 determines the device identifiers of the hybrid devices 102 and 118 (e.g., , A medium access control (MAC) address, a hybrid networking layer address, etc.). A hybrid device (e.g., hybrid device 118) associated with a preferred device identifier may be selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. The operations for selecting the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 will be described in further detail with reference to Figs. 2-5. After the CAP is selected, the configuration unit 106 may determine operational parameters of the CAP. The operating parameters include the communication bandwidth over which the CAP should operate (e.g., 2.4 GHz WLAN communication band, 5 GHz WLAN communication band, etc.), the communication channel over which the CAP should operate in the selected communication band, The CAP may include the transmit power at which messages should be sent.
[0081] In some embodiments, a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 may also be selected. In one implementation, the registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 may be selected after the CAP of the hybrid communication network is selected. In other implementations, the operations for selecting a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 may be independent of the operations for selecting the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. The communication unit 104 may send one or more registrar discovery messages to determine whether the hybrid device 102 should be configured as a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. [ For example, the hybrid device 102 may be configured as a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 if the communication unit 104 does not receive any registrar discovery response messages within a predetermined time interval. The hybrid device 102 may not be configured as a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 when the communication unit 104 receives one or more registrar search response messages.
[0082] Note that, in some embodiments, if the hybrid device designated by the CAP includes a WLAN STA (eg, a WLAN module configured as a client station), the WLAN STA may be disabled. In some embodiments, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 through 7, the hybrid device selected as the CAP may be different from the hybrid device selected as the P1905.1 registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. In other implementations, as described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 and 8-9, a hybrid device selected as a CAP may also be selected as the P1905.1 registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. However, referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, a hybrid device selected as a CAP may not be selected as a registrar if the hybrid communication network includes a statically configured registrar. In some embodiments, one or more of the TCA-capable hybrid devices of the hybrid communication network 100 may be configured to perform operations for registrar selection and / or CAP as described herein.
[0083] In some embodiments, if the hybrid device 102 is a CAP and a standby registrar, the hybrid device 102 periodically (or continuously) determines whether the active registrar is still part of the hybrid communication network 100 . When the active registrar leaves the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., switched to OFF), the hybrid device 102 (consisting of the CAP and the standby registrar) becomes the registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 . In some embodiments, if the hybrid device 102 is a standby CAP and a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 may communicate with another network device (e.g., a non-TCA enabled device or a statically configured network Device) participates in the hybrid communication network as a registrar. In some embodiments, if the hybrid device 102 is a standby CAP and a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 periodically determines whether it is a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 You can check. However, only after the hybrid device 102 has become the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 may attempt to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network (e.g., sending one or more registrar discovery messages ). The hybrid device may be an active CAP to become an active registrar of the hybrid communication network 100, but the hybrid device need not be maintained as an active CAP after the hybrid device 102 becomes an active registrar. That is, even when the hybrid device 102 switches from the active CAP state to the standby CAP state, the hybrid device 102 can be maintained as an active registrar of the hybrid communication network 100.
[0084] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a flow diagram ("flow") 200 illustrating exemplary operations for selecting a central access point and registrar in a hybrid communication network. Flow 200 begins at block 202 of FIG.
[0085] At block 202, it is determined whether the hybrid device should be analyzed for selection in the CAP of the hybrid network. In one embodiment, referring to the example of FIG. 1, the configuration unit 106 may determine if the hybrid device 102 can be the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 (if selected). For example, the configuration unit 106 may determine whether the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102 is communicatively coupled with the network gateway 124 of the hybrid communication network 100 via an Ethernet segment . When the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102 is communicatively coupled to the network gateway 124, the configuration unit 106 determines whether the hybrid device 102 is competing to become a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 You can decide to do it. In other embodiments, the CAP may be coupled to the network gateway 124 via any suitable network interface (e.g., a PLC interface) (e. G., May be one-hop or one communication link away therefrom) . ≪ / RTI > In general, it may be determined whether the hybrid device 102 is coupled directly to an external network (e.g., the Internet) (e.g., may be a one-hop or one communication link away therefrom). In another example, the configuration unit 106 may also analyze one or more communication capabilities (e.g., operational communication bands, data communication rates, etc.) of the hybrid device 102 to determine if the hybrid device 102 is a hybrid communication network It may be determined whether or not it should compete to become the CAP of the base station 100. In some embodiments, the configuration unit 106 may be configured to communicate with the Ethernet interface 110 (or other appropriate network interface) of the hybrid device 102 to determine whether the hybrid device 102 should compete to become a CAP. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > DHCP server is detected. In some embodiments, the background process of the configuration unit 106 may monitor connections on the Ethernet interface 110 and notify (if the DHCP server is reachable from the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102) (E.g., configuration unit 106). In some embodiments, the hybrid device 102 (e.g., communication unit 104) may send one or more DHCP discovery messages during a predetermined time interval. The hybrid device 102 may wait to receive a response message (e.g., a DHCP offer message). When the hybrid device 102 receives the DHCP offer message within the predetermined response time interval, the hybrid device 102 can deduce that the DHCP server is coupled to the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102. However, if the hybrid device 102 does not receive the DHCP offer message within the predetermined response time interval, the hybrid device 102 will infer that the DHCP server is not coupled to the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102 . If it is determined that the hybrid device should compete to become a CAP, flow continues to block 206. Otherwise, the flow continues to block 204. [
[0086] At block 204, the hybrid device is designated as a non-CAP device. If it is determined that the hybrid device 102 should not compete to become a CAP, the flow 200 moves from block 202 to block 204. For example, the hybrid device may be configured to communicate with the hybrid network 102 if the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102 is not communicatively coupled to the network gateway 124 of the hybrid communication network 100 via the Ethernet segment, I can not. Thus, the hybrid device 102 may be designated as a non-CAP device. From block 204 the flow is terminated.
[0087] At block 206, an advertisement message is transmitted that includes the device weights associated with the hybrid device. If it is determined that the hybrid device should compete to become a CAP, flow 200 moves from block 202 to block 206. The configuration unit 106 then executes duplicate CAP detection operations to determine if the hybrid communication network 100 already includes an active CAP and to prevent the presence of multiple CAPs in the hybrid communication network 100. [ After determining that the hybrid device 102 should compete to become the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 may send one or more advertising messages (e.g., For example, EA messages) to other network devices in the hybrid communication network 100. [ The advertisement messages may include device weights assigned to the hybrid device 102. In some embodiments, each TCA-capable hybrid device may be assigned device weights during start-up. In one example, the configuration unit 106 may calculate the device weights of the hybrid device 102 based at least in part on the link state, the internal state changes, and other suitable factors to the gateway 124 of the hybrid communication network 100 . In some embodiments, the device weight of the hybrid device 102 is such that when the hybrid device 102 was the CAP at the last time the hybrid device 102 was booted, the hybrid device 102 is now in the hybrid communication network 100, (E.g., by a suitable factor) for a CAP of < / RTI > For example, the device weight of the hybrid device 102 is set such that when the hybrid device 102 is the CAP at the last time when the hybrid device 102 is booted, the hybrid device 102 is currently connected to the CAP 102 of the hybrid communication network 100, (E. G., By an appropriate factor). ≪ / RTI > However, in other examples, the device weights of the hybrid device 102 may be reduced by an appropriate factor or may vary according to other suitable algorithms. The flow continues to block 208.
[0088] At block 208, it is determined whether advertisement messages have been received from one or more other hybrid devices during a predetermined time interval. Each of the hybrid devices competing to become CAPs of the hybrid communication network may transmit advertising messages and may include their respective device weights. In some embodiments, the hybrid device 102 may wait for a predetermined CAP search time interval to receive advertising messages from other hybrid devices in the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid device 102 does not receive any advertisement messages from other hybrid devices during the predetermined CAP search time interval, the flow continues at block 210 of FIG. Otherwise, if the hybrid device receives advertisement messages from one or more other hybrid devices during a predetermined CAP search time interval, then flow continues at block 212. [
[0089] At block 212, one or more hybrid devices associated with the preferred device weight are identified. When the hybrid device receives advertisement messages from one or more other hybrid devices during a predetermined CAP search time interval, the flow moves from block 208 to block 212. For example, the configuration unit 106 may compare the device weights associated with each of the hybrid devices that have transmitted the advertisement messages, and may identify one or more hybrid devices with the highest device weight. After identifying the one or more hybrid devices associated with the preferred device weight, the flow continues at block 214.
[0090] At block 214, it is determined whether more than one hybrid device is associated with the preferred device weight. For example, the configuration unit 106 may determine if two or more hybrid devices are associated with the preferred device weight (indicated in the respective advertisement messages of the devices). If only one hybrid device is associated with the preferred device weight, then flow continues at block 216. [ Otherwise, if more than one hybrid device is associated with the preferred device weight, the flow continues at block 218, where the hybrid devices are further analyzed to select the CAP.
[0091] At block 216, the hybrid device associated with the preferred weight is selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network. If only one hybrid device (e.g., hybrid device 120) is associated with the preferred device weight (as indicated in the advertisement message sent by hybrid device 120), then flow 200 proceeds from block 214 Block 216. < / RTI > The configuration unit 106 may indicate that the hybrid device 120 is an active CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., to other processing units of the hybrid device 102). Measurements for subsequent transmissions and CAPs may be performed by the hybrid device 120. From block 216, the flow ends.
[0092] At block 218, the hybrid device associated with the preferred device weight and the preferred device identifier is selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network. If more than one hybrid device is associated with the preferred device weight, flow 200 moves from block 214 to block 218. The configuration unit 106 may determine a device identifier (e.g., a MAC address, hybrid networking layer address, network interface address, or other unique identifier) associated with each of the two or more hybrid devices associated with the selected device weight. The configuration unit 106 can compare the device identifiers associated with two or more hybrid devices and identify the hybrid device (e.g., hybrid device 120) associated with the preferred device identifier. In one example, a hybrid device with the highest weight and lowest device identifier may be selected as the CAP. It should be noted that other suitable techniques or combinations of techniques may be used to select the CAP. The configuration unit 106 may indicate that the hybrid device 120 is a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., to other processing units of the hybrid device 102). Measurements for subsequent transmissions and CAPs may be performed by the hybrid device 120. From block 218, the flow ends.
[0093] In block 210 of FIG. 3, the hybrid device is designated as the CAP of the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid device 102 does not receive advertisement messages from other hybrid devices during the predetermined CAP search time interval, the flow moves from block 208 of FIG. 2 to block 210 of FIG. 2 to 3, if the hybrid device 102 is selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 in blocks 216 or 218, then the flow 200 receives from block 216 or 218, 0.0 > 210 < / RTI > Here, the configuration unit 106 may assume that no other hybrid devices of the hybrid communication network 100 can operate as a CAP. Thus, the configuration unit 106 may designate the hybrid device 102 as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. [ After the hybrid device 102 becomes the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 may adjust (e.g., increase) its device weight by a predetermined weight-boosting factor. This can ensure that the hybrid device 102 does not transfer its role as a CAP to a new hybrid device having the same (previous) weight as the hybrid device 102. [ In some embodiments, the hybrid device 102 may send one or more notification messages indicating that it is a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100.
[0094] In some embodiments, after becoming the CAP of the hybrid communication network, the configuration unit 106 may determine one or more operational parameters of the hybrid device 102. For example, the configuration unit 106 may be configured to provide a communication channel (e.g., 2.4 GHz WLAN band, 5 GHz WLAN band, etc.) to which the CAP should operate, a communication channel on which the CAP should operate within the communication band, The transmission power and the like for the mobile station. In some embodiments, after the hybrid device 102 becomes the CAP, the configuration unit 106 may automatically determine WLAN credentials for each WLAN communication band that the CAP 102 is configured to operate on ( For example, the CAP can select the SSID and generate a random WLAN passphrase). In some embodiments, the WLAN credentials may be configured for the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band regardless of whether the CAP is configured to operate only in a single communication band. In one example, the CAP may be configured such that the WLAN AP of the hybrid device is switched on and the WLAN STA of the hybrid device is switched off (e.g., the WLAN STA does not need to be switched on, Since it is directly connected to the network gateway 124). Additionally, the CAP may also work with other network devices (e.g., hybrid devices, legacy devices, etc.) to determine how to configure other network devices (e.g., WLAN AP module of other network devices and / Whether to enable or disable the WLAN STA module). The flow continues at block 220 where the hybrid device 102 competes to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100.
[0095] At block 220, the hybrid device transmits one or more registrar discovery messages. After the hybrid device 102 becomes the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 may attempt to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. For example, the hybrid device 102 may send an AP auto-configuration discovery message every predetermined time interval. The flow continues at block 222.
[0096] At block 222, it is determined whether a registrar seek response message has been received during a predetermined registrar search time interval. For example, the hybrid device 102 may determine whether it has received an AP auto-configuration response message or an AP auto-configuration update message during a predetermined registrar search time interval. If it is determined that a registrar search response message has been received during the predetermined registrar search time interval, the flow continues at block 224. [ Otherwise, the flow continues at block 226.
[0097] At block 224, the hybrid device determines that it is not a registrar of the hybrid communication network. If it is determined that a registrar search response message has been received for a predetermined registrar search time interval, the configuration unit 106 may deduce that the hybrid communication network 100 includes an active registrar. Here, the hybrid device may be configured as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. From block 224, the flow loops back to block 220, and the hybrid device 102 continues to determine whether the hybrid communication network includes an active registrar. If the current active registrar is no longer in the hybrid communication network 100 and the hybrid device is the active CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, then the hybrid device can be an active registrar.
[0098] At block 226, the hybrid device determines to be a registrar of the hybrid communication network. If it is determined that a registrar search response message has not been received during a predetermined registrar search time interval, the configuration unit 106 may deduce that the hybrid communication network 100 does not include an active registrar. Thus, the hybrid device 102 may switch to the active registrar state and become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. From block 226, the flow loops back to block 220, and the hybrid device 102 continues to determine whether the hybrid communication network 100 includes another active registrar. If the hybrid device detects another active registrar, the hybrid device may become an atmospheric registrar. If the active registrar is no longer in the hybrid communication network 100 and the hybrid device is the active CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, then the hybrid device can be an active registrar.
Although not shown in FIGS. 2-3, if the hybrid device 102 is selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., at blocks 216 or 218) It can be continued at block 210 so that the device weights of the hybrid device 102 can be adjusted and the hybrid device 102 tries to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. [
Although not shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, after the hybrid device 102 becomes the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 and adjusts its own device weight, the hybrid device 102 (for example, (106) may continuously (or periodically) monitor device weights in the advertisement messages received from other network devices of the hybrid communication network 100. [ When the configuration unit 106 receives an advertisement message having a preferred device weight relative to the device weight of the hybrid device 102 (modified / adjusted at block 210), the hybrid device 102 will become a standby CAP And may attempt to identify a new CAP in the hybrid communication network 100.
As discussed above in FIGS. 2-3, the CAP can detect other network devices with preferred device weights relative to the device weights of the CAP, or have device weights equal to the device weights of the CAPs It is possible to detect another network device having a device identifier that is preferable to the device identifier of the CAP. In this scenario, the CAP can switch to the standby CAP state. A network device having a device weight and / or a device identifier that is preferred over the device weight and / or device identifier of the current CAP (or active CAP) may compete to become a new CAP in the hybrid communication network. This is further illustrated in the sequence diagram 400 of FIG. The first network device 402 becomes the CAP of the communication network at stage 408 (e.g., after performing the operations described above in FIGS. 2 and 3). A second network device 406 with a preferred device weight relative to the device weight of the CAP participates in the communication network (see stage 410). The first network device 402 and the second network device 406 communicate with each other and communicate with other network devices in a communication environment (shown as "ENV 404 " in FIG. 4). CAP 402 sends an advertising message 414 (e.g., an EA (CAP) message) to indicate that it is the CAP of the communication network. The second network device 406 detects the CAP (i.e., the first network device 402) in the communication network and switches to the standby CAP state (see stage 412). The second network device 406 determines that its own device weight is preferred over the device weight of the current CAP 402 and also includes the device weight of the second network device to attempt to become the CAP of the communication network (E.g., an EA (Standby CAP, preferred weight) message). The current CAP 402 detects an EA (Waiting CAP) message 416A from the second network device 406 and sends a second (e.g., Determines that network device 406 should be the CAP of the communication network, and switches to the standby CAP state (see stage 418). In one embodiment, the second network device 406 may send the advertisement messages a predetermined number of times (shown as advertising messages 416A, 416B, and 416C), to receive a response to the advertising messages And can wait for a predetermined time interval. If the predetermined time intervals elapse and the second network device 406 does not detect another advertisement message with a relatively preferred device weight, the second network device 406 determines that it is the CAP of the hybrid communication network A notification message 418 (e.g., an EA (CAP) message) to indicate the presence of the message. Then, the second network device 406 becomes the active CAP of the communication network (see stage 420).
[00102] According to the example of FIG. 4, the current CAP (i.e., first network device 402) detects that the device weight of the second network device 406 is preferred over the device weight of the CAP. Thus, the current CAP 402 immediately switches to the standby CAP state. However, the second network device 406 waits for a predetermined time interval to ensure that the second network device 406 has a preferred device weight in the hybrid communication network before becoming an active CAP. Depending on the EA timeout value, the duration for which the communication network does not have an active CAP may be longer. To reduce the time interval during which the communication network is intermediate CAPs (e.g., the time interval between when the current CAP switches to the standby CAP state and when the other network device becomes the new CAP of the communication network) May be optimized for the active CAP of the communication network. Now, the sequence diagram 500 of FIG. 5 will illustrate exemplary operations for optimizing the CAP selection process to reduce the time interval in which the communication network does not have a CAP (because of switching from the current CAP to the new CAP) .
As discussed above with reference to FIG. 4, the second network device 406 participates in the communication network (see stage 410), becomes the standby CAP (see stage 412), and the EA CAP, preferred weight) message 416A. The current CAP 402 sends an advertisement message indicating that the device weight of the second network device 406 is preferred over the device weight of the CAP (or has a relatively preferred device identifier and is equal to the device weight of the CAP) Upon receipt, the current CAP 402 may send an advertisement message indicating that it is the previous CAP of the communication network and can then switch to the standby CAP state. That is, the advertisement message indicating that the second network device 406 has a device weight (and / or a device identifier) that is preferred to the device weight (and / or the device identifier) of the current CAP 402, 402), the current CAP may send an advertisement message indicating that it is the previous CAP of the communication network and can then switch to the standby CAP state. 5, after the current CAP 402 has detected an EA (Waiting CAP) message 416A from the second network device 406, the current CAP 402 has sent an EA message < RTI ID = 0.0 > 502 < / RTI > the wasDefeated parameter may be set to one or more (by the current CAP 402) set to indicate that the current CAP 402 has abandoned its status as a CAP because another network device with a relatively preferred device weight has been detected Bits (e. G., Flags). The current CAP 402 then switches to a standby CAP state (see stage 504). When the standby CAP (e.g., second network device 406) receives an EA (wasDefeated) message 502, the standby CAP 406 determines whether its device weight (and / or device identifier) It is possible to decide whether or not the current CAP 402 is preferred. The standby CAP 406 may switch to the "pending CAP" state (see stage 506) and attempt to become the CAP of the communication network. The standby CAP is referred to herein as "pending CAP" after switching to pending CAP mode. That is, the pending CAP may be a network device with a preferred device weight in the communication network. If the device weight of the pending CAP is preferred over the device weights of all other network devices (or if the device identifier of the pending CAP is preferred over the device identifiers of other network devices having the same preferred device weight as the pending CAP) Will be the active CAP. After switching to the pending CAP state, the pending CAP 406 may accelerate the CAP selection process by sending advertisement messages more frequently. Specifically, the pending CAP 406 may send a number of advertising messages (e. G., Messages 508A, 508B, and 508C) that indicate that it is a pending CAP (e. Each of which is separated into a shorter EA timeout interval (compared to the EA timeout interval of FIG. 4). While transmitting its own EA (pending CAP) messages, the CAP 406 may send May continually determine whether advertisement messages have been received from other network devices having preferred device weights compared to the pending CAP 406. If an advertisement message containing a relatively preferred device weight is within the EA timeout interval Once received, the pending CAP 406 may switch back to the standby CAP state and send an advertisement message with the WasDefeated flag. However, the preferred (compared to the device weights of the pending CAPs) If the ad message containing the vise weight is not received within the EA timeout interval, then the pending CAP 406 may determine that no other network device has the preferred device weight (or the same device with the preferred device identifier The pending CAP 406 may then send a notification message 510 (e.g., an EA (CAP) message) indicating that it is a new active CAP, May be the CAP of the communication network (see stage 512).
[00104] Referring to FIG. 5, when another network device having a relatively preferred device weight (and / or a relatively preferred device identifier) is detected, the current CAP and the pending CAP are configured to send an EA (wasDefeated) message Indicates the presence of other network devices with preferred device weights and / or preferred device identifiers (as compared to the current CAP / Pending CAP) in the communication network. Thus, a new network device competing to become the CAP of the communication network can compare its device weight against the device weights of the defeated network device ("defeated network device"). If a new network device has a preferred device weight over a defeated network device, then the new network device can deduce that other existing network devices are less likely to have a relatively preferred device weight. Thus, a new network device may take a shorter time period to attempt to win over an existing network device with a preferred device weight relative to the device weight of the new network device, so that the time period during which the communication network is intermediate CAPs The interval can be reduced.
Referring to FIG. 5, when a non-CAP device receives an EA (wasDefeated) message, the non-CAP device first transmits the device identifier of the device that transmitted the EA (wasDefeated) message to the current CAP Note that the current CAP 402 may determine whether it has sent the message (by comparing it to the device identifier of the device). If it is determined that the current CAP 402 has sent an EA (wasDefeated) message, the non-CAP device may deduce that the new network device will be the CAP of the communication network. After the new CAP is identified, the non-CAP device may perform one or more operations, for example, analyzing communication channels to the new CAP, determining whether to reconfigure one or more communication modules of the non-CAP device, Can be executed. If it is determined that the current CAP 402 has not sent an EA (wasDefeated) message, then the non-CAP device may determine that the pending CAP device is not a device having a device weight (e.g., ), And may not take any action.
[00106] In some embodiments, the hybrid device may be a registrar of a hybrid communication network only if the hybrid device is currently configured with a CAP of the hybrid communication network, as discussed above with reference to Figures 1-5, The device may not maintain the CAP after becoming a registrar. The process for selecting such a registrar (i. E., When the hybrid device is composed solely of CAPs) can be used in the case where the CAP is a single band device (e.g., one communication band such as a 2.4GHz WLAN band or a 5GHz WLAN band Not both) may be limited. That is, a single-band hybrid device may not be able to provide operational credentials to those network devices (and / or devices operating in multiple communication bands) operating in different communication bands. 6-7 illustrate exemplary operations for selecting a registrar based on the operating band capabilities of the network devices. 6, a dual band dual concurrent (DBDC) device (e.g., a simultaneous 2.4 GHz WLAN AP and a network device with a 5 GHz WLAN AP) May be preferentially selected as a registrar over a single band network device (e.g., a 2.4 GHz WLAN AP or a network device with a 5 GHz WLAN AP).
[00107] Figures 6 and 7 show a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment for selecting registrars in a hybrid communication network. Flow 600 begins at block 602 of FIG.
[00108] At block 602, it is determined whether the hybrid device of the hybrid communication network has at least one enabled access point. With reference to the example of FIG. 1, the configuration unit 106 may determine whether the hybrid device 102 includes an enabled access point on at least one operational communication band. Hybrid device 102 may include a WALN access point configured to operate on a 2.4 GHz WLAN band, a WALN access point configured to operate on a 5 GHz WLAN band, and / or a WLAN access point configured to operate on other appropriate WLAN bands . If it is determined that the hybrid device includes at least one enabled access point, then flow continues at block 604. Otherwise, if it is determined that the hybrid device does not have any enabled access points, then the hybrid device may not be allowed to be a registrar and the flow is terminated.
[00109] At block 604, one or more advertising messages including registrar weights associated with the hybrid device are transmitted. If it is determined that the hybrid device 102 has at least one enabled access point, flow 600 moves from block 602 to block 604. [ The hybrid device 102 may be allowed to compete to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100 and may switch to a standby registrar state. In the atmospheric registrar state, the hybrid device 102 (e.g., communication unit 104) may send one or more selected advertisement (EA) messages that include registrar weights associated with the hybrid device.
[00110] A registrar weight may be assigned to each network device of the hybrid communication network. In one embodiment, the registrar weight may be assigned based on the number of enabled access points, the gateway connection state, the active CAP state, and the registrar state. Assuming that each network device can only have one access point per WLAN communication band, the number of enabled access points can be configured such that a network device (e.g., hybrid device 102) is configured to operate as an access point Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > WLAN < / RTI > communication band. For example, if the hybrid device 102 has a 2.4 GHz WLAN AP and a 5 GHz WLAN AP, then the hybrid device 102 is determined to have two enabled access points. A first hybrid device with a greater number of enabled access points is preferentially weighted compared to a second hybrid device with fewer enabled access points because the first hybrid device has a greater number RTI ID = 0.0 > WLAN < / RTI > communication bands. The gateway connection state may refer to whether the hybrid device 102 is connected to the network gateway 124 of the hybrid communication network 100. [ In one embodiment, if the gateway-connected network device has at least one enabled access point to grant a higher preference to the gateway-connected network device than the non-gateway-connected network devices, then the gateway- The registrar weight of the connected network device may be adjusted / improved by a predetermined factor. In one example of such an embodiment, if the gateway-connected network device has at least one enabled access point to grant a higher preference to the gateway-connected network device than the non-gateway-connected network devices, The registrar weight of the connected network device may be increased (or incremented) by a predetermined factor.
[00111] The active CAP state may refer to whether the hybrid device 102 is currently a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. In one embodiment, the registrar weight of a network device configured with CAP may be adjusted (e.g., increased) by a predetermined factor. This can ensure that the CAP is preferentially selected as a registrar over non-CAP devices or standby CAP devices of the hybrid communication network 100. The registrar status may refer to whether the hybrid device 102 is currently a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. For example, the registrar weight of a hybrid device that is currently a registrar may be adjusted (e.g., increased) by a predetermined factor. This may prevent unnecessary modification of the registrar if other equally possible network devices participate in the hybrid communication network 100. [ In addition to the EA message, the hybrid device 102 (e.g., communication unit 104) also sends an access point registrar search message to determine whether the hybrid device 102 should be a registrar of the hybrid communication network Can be transmitted. In some embodiments, the EA message and the registrar search message may be transmitted on a periodic interval. The flow continues at block 606.
[00112] At block 606, it is determined whether the hybrid communication network includes an active registrar. As discussed above, the hybrid device 102 (competing to become a registrar) may detect whether the hybrid communication network 100 includes an active registrar by periodically transmitting registrar discovery messages. When the hybrid device 102 receives a response to the registrar discovery message (e.g., an "AP AUTOMATIC RESPONSE RESPONSE message"), the hybrid device 102 may infer that the hybrid communication network 100 includes an active registrar . If the hybrid device 102 does not receive any registrar response messages after a predetermined number of consecutive registrar discovery messages have been sent, the hybrid device 102 will deduce that no active registrar is present in the hybrid communication network 100 . If it is determined that the hybrid communication network does not include an active registrar, then flow continues at block 610. [ Otherwise, if an active registrar already exists in the hybrid communication network, then flow continues at block 608 of FIG.
[00113] At block 608, the credentials of the hybrid device include the credentials of the registrar, the communication band (s) configured to operate the registrar, and the communication band (s) configured to operate the hybrid device, Lt; / RTI > If the hybrid communication network already includes a registrar, flow 600 moves from block 606 to block 608. [ Accordingly, the hybrid device 102 may be configured as an enrollee. As will be discussed further below, depending on whether the registrar and / or the registrant (e.g., hybrid device 102) is a dual-band network device or a single-band network device, One or more sets may be duplicated. In one embodiment, it can be determined whether the registrar is a dual-band network device or a single-band network device.
[00114] If the registrar is a dual band concurrent (DBDC) device, the hybrid device 102 may replicate its credentials associated with WLAN bands configured to operate the hybrid device 102. The DBDC device may be a network device configured to operate concurrently on two WLAN communication bands. For example, if the registrar is configured to operate concurrently on the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and the 5 GHz WLAN band, then the hybrid device 102 will have its own credentials associated with the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and, if the hybrid device 102 is also a DBDC device, It is possible to duplicate the credentials associated with the 5GHz WLAN band. In some embodiments, the hybrid device and / or registrar may be a dual band single radio (DBSR) device. The DBSR device may be a network device capable of operating on two, but not two, WLAN communication bands. That is, if the DBSR device is operating on the 2.4 GHz WLAN band, operation on the 5 GHz WLAN band may be disabled or vice versa. If the hybrid device 102 and the registrar are DBSR devices, the hybrid device 102 may replicate (based on registrar credentials) their credentials for the communication band in which the registrar is currently operating. However, if the hybrid device 102 is a single band single radio (SBSR) device configured to operate only in the 2.4 GHz WLAN band (or only in the 5 GHz WLAN band), then the hybrid device 102 will generate a 2.4 GHz WLAN (Or his credentials associated with the 5 GHz WLAN band) associated with the band. In some embodiments, the hybrid device 102 (acting as a registrant) is associated with a respective EA message sent from the hybrid device 102 credentials_cloned The flag can be set. If the hybrid device and the registrar are dual-band devices (e.g., DBSR or DBDC devices), the hybrid device 102 is able to communicate with the client device 102 over two WLAN bands (e.g., 2.4 GHz WLAN band and 5 GHz WLAN band) After the cloning credentials_cloned The flag can be set. credentials_cloned The flag may indicate that the hybrid device 102 will have the same credentials as the current registrar and will attempt to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network (as described below in blocks 610-618).
However, if both the hybrid device and the registrar are single band single radio (SBSR) devices, the hybrid device 102 will only be able to communicate with the registrar's credential 102 if the hybrid device 102 is configured to operate on the same WLAN band as the registrar. You can copy your credentials according to your After the hybrid device 102 replicates its credentials in accordance with the credentials of the registrar, the hybrid device 102 transmits the respective EA messages sent from the hybrid device 102 credentials_cloned The flag can be set. If the registrar and hybrid device 102 are not configured to operate on the same WLAN band, the hybrid device 102 may not replicate its credentials according to the registrar's credentials credentials_cloned Note that the flag may not be set. However, if the hybrid device is a dual band (e.g., DBSR or DBDC) device and the registrar is an SBSR device, the hybrid device 102 may be configured to operate in a WLAN (e.g., Adapt to the bands, and replicate their credentials according to the registrar's credentials. For example, the hybrid device 102 may be configured to operate on the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and the 5 GHz WLAN band, and the registrar may be configured to operate only on the 5 GHz WLAN band. In this example, the dual-band hybrid device can first replicate its credentials to the WLAN band (e.g., the 5GHz WLAN band) in which the registrar is operating, and then send those credentials to another WLAN band (E.g., the 2.4 GHz WLAN band). After the hybrid device replicates its credentials in accordance with the credentials of the registrar, the hybrid device determines whether the hybrid device is in the registrant state or not in each EA message sent from the hybrid device credentials_cloned The flag can be set. credentials_cloned The flag may indicate that the hybrid device 102 will have the same credentials as the current registrar and will attempt to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network (as described below in blocks 610-618). After the credentials of the hybrid device are replicated in accordance with the credentials of the registrar, the flow continues at block 610 of FIG.
[00116] At block 610, it is determined whether advertisement messages are received from other network devices in the hybrid communication network during the registrar search time interval. If the hybrid communication network does not include an active registrar, then flow 600 moves from block 606 to block 610. If the hybrid communication network does not include the active registrar after the hybrid device replicates its credentials in accordance with the registrar's credentials, the flow 600 also moves from block 608 to block 610. The hybrid device 102 may wait for a registrar search time interval to receive advertising messages from other network devices competing to become registrars of the hybrid communication network. During this registrar search time interval, the hybrid device 102 may also determine whether a registrar response message has been received from an existing registrar of the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid device receives advertisement messages from one or more other network devices during the registrar search time interval, the flow continues at block 612. [ Otherwise, the flow continues at block 616.
[00117] At block 612, the registrar weights associated with the network devices that have sent the registrar weight and advertising messages associated with the hybrid device 102 are compared and network devices having the preferred registrar weight are identified. Hybrid device 102 (e.g., communication unit 104) is configured to communicate registrar weights associated with hybrid device 102 and network devices that compete (e.g., sent an EA message) to become registrars Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > registrar < / RTI > Note that when multiple network devices are associated with the same selected registrar weight, the network device with the selected registrar weight and the preferred device identifier (e.g., the minimum MAC address) may be identified. In one example, if multiple network devices are associated with the highest registrar weight, a network device with the highest registrar weight and minimum device identifier (e.g., the minimum MAC address) may be identified. The flow continues at block 614.
[00118] At block 614, it is determined whether the hybrid device is associated with a preferred registrar weight. The hybrid device 102 may be configured as a registrar or an on-air registrar of the hybrid communication network 100, depending on whether the hybrid device 102 has a preferred registrar weight (e.g., the highest registrar weight). If the hybrid device is associated with the preferred registrar weight (or preferred registrar weight and preferred device identifier), then flow continues at block 616. [ Otherwise, if the hybrid device is not associated with the preferred registrar weight (or preferred registrar weight and preferred device identifier), then flow continues at block 618. [
[00119] At block 616, the hybrid device is selected as a registrar of the hybrid communication network. Flow 600 moves from block 610 to block 616 if the hybrid device 102 does not receive a registrar response message or a selected advertisement message from a network device having replicated credentials during the registrar search time interval. If the hybrid device 102 is associated with the preferred registrar weight, the flow 600 also moves from block 614 to block 616. Thus, a hybrid device (e.g., a TCA-enabled network device with at least one AP enabled) with replicated credentials (from the current or previous registrar, if present) ) No other existing registrar is present in the network, and 2) any other network device having credentials that are duplicated from the current or previous registrar (with respect to the registrar weight of the hybrid device) If the non-existent is met, it can become a registrar. After becoming a registrar, the hybrid device 102 may send one or more notification messages to indicate that it is a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. While the hybrid device 102 is operating as a registrar, the hybrid device 102 transmits the EA message transmitted from the hybrid device 102 credentials_cloned Note that the flag may not be set.
While the hybrid device 102 is configured as a registrar, the hybrid device 102 may be configured such that other network devices (statically configured registrars or user-configured registrars or non-TCA capable network devices) are connected to the hybrid communication network 100, It is possible to send registrar search messages periodically to determine if the registrar search messages have been participated in. If the hybrid device detects a registrar response message from a statically configured or non-TCA capable registrar, the hybrid device 102 may abandon its role as a registrar and become a registrant of the hybrid communication network. From block 616 the flow ends.
[00121] At block 618, the network device with the preferred registrar weight is selected as the registrar, and the hybrid device is configured with the atmospheric registrar. If the hybrid device 102 is not associated with a preferred registrar weight, another network device associated with the preferred registrar weight may be selected as the registrar. If the hybrid device 102 is not associated with a preferred registrar weight, the hybrid device 102 may become a standby central access point registrar. The hybrid device 102 may continuously (or periodically) determine whether the registrar is part of the hybrid communication network 100 (e.g., whether or not the current registrar is disabled, etc.) have. If the hybrid device 102 determines that the current registrar is disabled, the hybrid device 102 may attempt to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. From block 618, the flow ends.
6 to 7, a hybrid device 102 (which competes to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100) may be used as long as at least one access point of the hybrid device 102 is enabled , And may periodically transmit EA messages (including the registrar weights of the hybrid device 102) irrespective of whether the hybrid device 102 is connected to the network gateway 124 or not. That is, as long as at least one access point of the hybrid device 102 is enabled, the hybrid device 102 may compete to become a registrar of the hybrid communication network. If all of the access points of the hybrid device 102 are disabled, the hybrid device may stop sending EA messages (and may stop competing to become a registrar).
[00123] In some embodiments, the operations of Figures 6 through 7 may be performed in a different order. In such an embodiment, the hybrid device 102 may be configured to communicate with other network devices configured as registrants (e. G., Indicating that the network device has replicated its credentials from the current or previous registrar) credentials_cloned Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > EA < / RTI > If the hybrid device 102 has also replicated its credentials from the current or previous registrar, then the hybrid device 102 may be configured so that the network device is in a state where the device weight (and / or device identifier) of the hybrid device 102 (And / or device identifier) of the device. If the network device has a preferred device weight, the network device may be a registrar, the hybrid device 102 may be a standby registrar (and may restart the registrar discovery timer to detect the registrar) Hybrid device 102 may ignore the EA message received from the network device if it does not have the preferred registrar weight (or the same registrar weight with the preferred device identifier) as compared to the hybrid device 102. [ If the hybrid device 102 did not replicate its credentials from the current or previous registrar, but the network device has replicated its credentials, the network device may be a registrar, and the hybrid device 102 may be a standby registrar (And the registrar seek timer for detecting the registrar can be restarted). This is because the hybrid device 102 can not become a registrar until the hybrid device 102 replicates its credentials in accordance with the credentials of the registrar. If both the hybrid device and the network device have not duplicated their respective credentials and the network device has a preferred registrar weight (as compared to the hybrid device), then the hybrid device may restart the registrar seek timer to attempt to detect the registrar have. If the hybrid device replicates its credentials and the hybrid device has a preferred registrar weight over the network device and the network device has not replicated its credentials, the hybrid device ignores the EA message received from the network device .
[00124] Figures 1-7 illustrate exemplary embodiments for selecting CAPs and registrars of the hybrid communication network 100, but various other techniques for selecting CAPs and registrars of the hybrid communication network 100 Can be used. 8 to 9 illustrate another embodiment for selecting a CAP and a registrar of the hybrid communication network 100. [ 6 to 7, the first hybrid device may be selected as a CAP, and the second hybrid device may be selected as a registrar. In the examples of FIGS. 8 to 9, it is assumed that the same hybrid device (also referred to as a "master network device ") is assigned to both the CAP and the registrar of the hybrid communication network 100.
[00125] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a flow diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment for selecting a CAP and registrar for a hybrid communication network. Flow 800 begins at block 802.
[00126] At block 802, it is determined whether the hybrid device should compete to become a CAP in the hybrid communication network. In some embodiments, it may be determined (e.g., by the configuration unit 106 of FIG. 1) whether the hybrid device should compete to become a master network device of the hybrid communication network. As discussed above, the master network device may be a hybrid device that is both a CAP and a registrar of a hybrid communication network. In one embodiment, the configuration unit 106 of FIG. 1 may determine whether a DHCP server is detected on the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102. If a DHCP server is detected on the Ethernet interface, the hybrid device 102 may be designated as a standby CAP and compete to become a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. Note that in other embodiments, the configuration unit 106 may determine whether a DHCP server is detected on any suitable network interface (e.g., a PLC interface) of the hybrid device 102. To detect the presence of a DHCP server, the hybrid device may periodically send a discovery message (e.g., a DHCP discovery message) within a predetermined time interval. After sending the DHCP discovery messages, the hybrid device 102 may wait to receive one or more corresponding DHCP offer messages from the network gateway 124. When the hybrid device 102 receives the DHCP offer message, it can be inferred that the DHCP server is coupled to the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102. Otherwise, it can be inferred that the DHCP server is not coupled to the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102 if the hybrid device 102 does not receive the DHCP offer message within the predetermined response time interval. If the DHCP server is not detected on the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102, the hybrid device may not compete to become a CAP and flow continues at block 804. [ Otherwise, the hybrid device may compete to become a CAP, and the flow continues at block 806.
[00127] At block 804, the hybrid device is designated a non-CAP device. If the DHCP server is not detected on the Ethernet interface 110 of the hybrid device 102, flow 800 moves from block 802 to block 804. Thus, the hybrid device 102 may not compete to become a CAP of the hybrid communication network. In general, the hybrid device 102 may not be a master network device (e.g., a CAP and a registrar) of the hybrid communication network. From block 804, the flow ends.
[00128] At block 806, one or more registrar discovery messages are sent to detect the presence of an active CAP in the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid device 102 can compete to become the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, the flow 800 moves from block 802 to block 806. The configuration unit 104 sends registrar messages (e.g., AP auto-configuration discovery messages) to query other network devices to determine whether an existing CAP exists or whether a pending CAP is present can do. The configuration unit 106 may also initiate a CAP seek timer for setting a time interval, while waiting to detect the presence of an existing CAP or pending CAP. The flow continues at block 808.
[00129] At block 808, it is determined whether a registrar response message has been received before the CAP discovery timer expires. For example, the configuration unit 106 may determine whether an AP autoconfiguration response message or a pending CAP message has been received at the hybrid device 102. The AP auto configuration response message may indicate that another hybrid device is designated as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. The AP auto configuration response message may also indicate the address of the hybrid device designated as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. The network device may send a pending CAP message to indicate that the network device is competing to become the CAP of the hybrid communication network. In some embodiments, the CAP search time interval may be a time interval during which the hybrid device 102 may search for another network device (e.g., a pending CAP) or an existing CAP that attempts to become a CAP. If it is determined that the registrar response message has been received before the CAP discovery timer expires, it is determined that the hybrid communication network includes the CAP, and the flow continues at block 810. If a registrar response message is not received and it is determined that the CAP search timer has elapsed, then the hybrid communication network is determined not to include the CAP, and the flow continues at block 812.
[00130] At block 810, the CAP of the hybrid communication network is identified. If a registrar response message is received within the CAP search time interval, flow 800 moves from block 808 to block 810. The registrar response message may include an identifier (e.g., MAC address, etc.) of the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. The hybrid device 102 may exchange one or more messages with the CAP to estimate the communication link quality and determine how to communicate one or more modules (e.g., WLAN STA and / or WLAN AP modules) of the hybrid device 102 To be configured. Note that the hybrid device 102 may consist of and remain a standby CAP. If the current CAP is disabled or removed from the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 can not compete to become the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100. From block 810, the flow ends.
[00131] At block 812, one or more pending CAP messages are transmitted and a cloning detection timer is initiated. If the hybrid communication network 100 does not include an active CAP, flow 800 moves from block 808 to block 812. The hybrid device 102 may announce its intention to become a CAP of the hybrid communication network 100 by transmitting one or more pending CAP messages. After sending the pending CAP message, the hybrid device 102 may initiate a cloning detection timer (which stores the cloning detection time interval). During the replication detection time interval, the hybrid device 102 may listen to pending CAP messages sent by other hybrid devices that are also attempting to become CAPs of the hybrid communication network 100. Hybrid device 102 may send a predetermined number of pending CAP messages within the replication detection time interval. The flow continues at block 814 of FIG.
[00132] At block 814, it is determined whether pending CAP messages have been received from other hybrid devices within the replication detection time interval. If the hybrid device 102 has received pending CAP messages from other hybrid devices within the replication detection time interval, then flow continues at block 816. [ Otherwise, if it is determined that pending CAP messages have not been received from other hybrid devices within the replication detection time interval, then flow continues at block 818. [
[00133] At block 816, it is determined whether the hybrid device is associated with a device identifier that is preferred over device identifiers of other hybrid devices that sent pending CAP messages. If the hybrid device 102 has received pending CAP messages from one or more other hybrid devices during the replication detection time interval, flow 800 moves from block 814 to block 816. In one embodiment, the preferred device identifier may be a minimal device identifier (e.g., a minimum MAC address). However, in other embodiments, other suitable techniques may be used to determine whether the hybrid device is associated with a preferred device identifier. The hybrid device 102 may compare its device identifier with device identifiers of other hybrid devices that have sent pending CAP messages. The device identifier may be a MAC address, a hybrid networking layer address, a network interface (e.g., Ethernet) address, or other appropriate unique identifier. If it is determined that the hybrid device is associated with the preferred device identifier, then flow continues at block 818. [ Otherwise, the flow continues at block 820.
[00134] At block 818, the hybrid device is selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid device 102 has not received pending CAP messages from other hybrid devices during the replication detection time interval, flow 800 moves from block 814 to block 818. If the hybrid device 102 determines that it is associated with a device identifier that is preferred to device identifiers of other hybrid devices that have sent pending CAP messages, then flow 800 moves from block 816 to block 818. After becoming the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, the hybrid device 102 may send a notification to other network devices of the hybrid communication network 100 to indicate that the hybrid device 102 is a CAP. In the exemplary operations of Figures 8-9, in addition to selecting the hybrid device as a CAP, the hybrid device may also be selected as a registrar of the hybrid communication network. That is, the hybrid device may be selected as the "master network device ", and configured to operate with both the CAP and the registrar of the hybrid communication network. From block 818, the flow ends.
[00135] At block 820, a hybrid device with the preferred device identifier is selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network. If the hybrid device 102 is not associated with a device identifier that is preferred over the device identifiers of other hybrid devices that sent pending CAP messages, then flow 800 moves from block 816 to block 820. Note that a hybrid device (with the preferred device identifier) may be selected as the "master network device ", and configured to operate with both the CAP and the registrar of the hybrid communication network. After the hybrid device (e.g., hybrid device 120) associated with the preferred device identifier (and having sent the pending CAP message) is identified and selected as the CAP of the hybrid communication network 100, The device 102 may be designated as a standby CAP. The standby CAP 102 may periodically check for the presence of a CAP and attempt to become a CAP if the CAP 120 is not found in the hybrid communication network 100. From block 820, the flow ends.
[00136] It should be understood that FIGS. 1-9 and the operations described herein are examples intended to assist in understanding the embodiments, and should not be used to limit the embodiments or limit the scope of the claims. Embodiments may perform additional operations, fewer operations, operations in a different order, operations in parallel, and some operations differently. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, during network startup, the active CAP may be the first network device for enabling one or more of its access points. The active CAP can be the registrar of the hybrid communication network because the CAP is selected and the other network devices typically wait for their respective configurations to be determined until the CAP's access points are initialized. If, after other network devices are configured, one of the other network devices is more suitable to become a registrar (e.g., based on registrar weights) than the current active registrar, , And the active CAP can be an atmospheric registrar.
[00137] In some embodiments, after the hybrid device becomes CAP, the hybrid device may perform periodic DHCP checks to see that it is still a good CAP and still connected to the DHCP server. If the CAP determines that it is not connected to the DHCP server, the hybrid device (previously configured with CAP) may be a non-CAP device. The standby-CAP of the hybrid communication network may periodically determine whether the hybrid communication network includes a CAP (e.g., as discussed in block 802 of FIG. 8). If it is determined that there is no more CAP in the hybrid communication network, then the standby CAP may attempt to become the CAP of the hybrid communication network. Specifically, if the standby CAP determines that the hybrid communication network does not include a CAP, the standby CAP may determine whether it is coupled with a DHCP server (i.e., a standby CAP). If coupled, the standby CAP may perform the duplicate CAP detection operations previously described at block 808 of FIG. Otherwise, the standby CAP can switch to the non-CAP state.
[00138] In some embodiments, it is further noted that, in accordance with the registrar of the hybrid communication network, a hybrid device (when configured as a registrar) may switch WLAN operating bands (if possible). For example, the registrant may be a dual band network device configured to operate in the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and the 5 GHz WLAN band (preferred communication band). If the registrar is a single band network device configured to operate in the 2.4 GHz WLAN band, the registrant can adapt its operating band and operate in the 2.4 GHz WLAN band (even if its preferred band is the 5 GHz WLAN band) have. Then, when the dual-band network device becomes the new registrar of the hybrid communication network, the registrant can switch its operating band from the 2.4GHz WLAN band to the 5GHz (preferred) WLAN band.
[00139] Figure 6 illustrates the credential replication operations for a hybrid device attempting to become a registrar of a hybrid communication network, but note that the embodiments are not so limited. In other embodiments, the credential replication operations described herein may be performed by other network devices in the hybrid communication network that are not competing to become registrars of the hybrid communication network. For example, a dual band hybrid device (not competing to become a registrar) may select its working communication band according to the working communication band of a single band registrar. Likewise, a hybrid device (which is not competing to become a registrar) may be configured to have the credentials of the registrar, the communication bands configured to operate the hybrid device, and the communication bands that are configured to operate the hybrid device, as discussed above with reference to block 608 of FIG. And may replicate his credentials in accordance with communication bands configured to operate the registrar. For example, if the registrar is configured to operate on the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and the hybrid device (not competing to become a registrar) is configured to operate on the 2.4 GHz WLAN band and the 5 GHz WLAN band, It can replicate its credentials on the 2.4GHz WLAN band according to the registrar's credentials for the band. The hybrid device can then copy the credentials for the 2.4GHz WLAN band into the 5GHz WLAN band.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present inventive subject matter may be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present inventive subject matter may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, a software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, May be generally referred to herein as a "circuit "," module "or" system ". In addition, aspects of the present inventive subject matter may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable media (s) in which computer readable program code is embodied.
[00141] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media (s) may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or device or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM) Erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device or any suitable combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any type of tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[00142] The computer readable signal carrier may comprise a propagated data signal embodied in computer readable program code, for example, as part of a carrier wave or in a baseband. Such a propagated signal may have any of a variety of forms including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium is not a computer-readable storage medium, but may be any computer-readable medium capable of communicating, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus or device.
[00143] The program code embodied on the computer readable medium may be embodied in any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing Lt; / RTI >
[00144] Computer program code for performing operations on aspects of the present inventive subject matter may include object-oriented programming languages such as Java, Smalltalk, C ++, etc., and conventional procedures such as "C" Oriented programming languages. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on the remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., (Via the Internet using an Internet service provider).
[00145] Aspects of the present inventive subject matter are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products in accordance with embodiments of the present inventive subject matter. It will be appreciated that each block of flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks of flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus for generating a machine such that instructions executed via a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus may be stored in a computer- And / or means for implementing the functions / operations specified in the blocks or blocks of the block diagram.
[00146] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium, which may direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner so that instructions stored on the computer- And / or < / RTI > blocks or blocks of blocks.
[00147] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices so that a series of operating steps may be performed on the computer, another programmable apparatus, or other devices to create a computer- Instructions that execute on a computer or other programmable device provide processes for implementing the functions / operations specified in the block diagrams and / or blocks of the flowchart illustrations.
[00148] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an electronic device 1000 that includes a mechanism for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may be a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a netbook, a mobile phone, a smart device, a gaming console, a desktop computer, or other suitable electronic device including communication capabilities. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 may be a hybrid device including a plurality of network interfaces 1004, and each of the network interfaces 1004 may be configured to connect the electronic device 1000 to other communication network segments (Or access techniques). Electronic device 1000 includes a processor unit 1002 (such as possibly including multiple processors, multiple cores, multiple nodes, and / or implementing multi-threading). The electronic device 1000 includes a memory unit 1006. The memory unit 1006 may include one or more of a system memory (e.g., one or more of a cache, SRAM, DRAM, zero capacitor RAM, twin transistor RAM, eDRAM, EDO RAM, DDR RAM, EEPROM, NRAM, RRAM, SONOS, , Or any one or more of the possible implementations already described above of a computer-readable storage medium. The electronic device 1000 also includes a bus 1010 (e.g., PCI, ISA, PCI-Express, HyperTransport®, InfiniBand®, NuBus, AHB, AXI, (E.g., a Bluetooth® interface, a WiMAX interface, a Zigbee® interface, a wireless USB interface, etc.) and a wired network interface (eg, a power line communication interface, an Ethernet interface, etc.).
[00149] The electronic device 1000 also includes a communication unit 1008. The communication unit 1008 includes a configuration unit 1012. The configuration unit 1012 may perform the functions described above with reference to Figs. 1-9 to determine whether the electronic device 1000 is configured as a central access point and / or registrar of the hybrid communication network. Any of these functions may be implemented in hardware and / or partially (or wholly) on the processor unit 1002. For example, the functionality may be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit, in logic implemented in the processor unit 1002, in a peripheral device, in a co-processor on a card, and so on. Additionally, implementations may include fewer components or additional components (e.g., video cards, audio cards, additional network interfaces, peripheral devices, etc.) not shown in FIG. For example, the communication unit 1008 may include one or more additional processors, which are separate from the processor unit 1002, coupled to the bus 1010. The processor unit 1002, the memory unit 1006, and the network interfaces 1004 are coupled to the bus 1010. Although shown as coupled to bus 1010, memory unit 1006 may be coupled to processor unit 1002.
[00150] While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and uses, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited thereto. In general, the techniques for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network as described herein may be implemented with facilities consistent with any hardware system or hardware systems. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible.
[00151] A plurality of examples may be provided for the components, acts, or structures described herein as a single example. Finally, the boundaries between the various components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and the specific operations are illustrated in the context of certain exemplary configurations. Other assignments of functionality are contemplated and may be within the scope of the inventive subject matter. In general, the structures and functions presented as separate components in the exemplary arrangements may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, the structures and functions presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These changes, modifications, additions and improvements, and other changes, modifications, additions, and improvements, may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.

Claims (56)

A method for automatic selection of an adjustment function in a hybrid communication network,
Transmitting, from a first hybrid device of the hybrid communication network, a first advertisement message including a first device weight associated with the first hybrid device;
Determining whether a second advertisement message is received within a first predetermined search time interval from a second hybrid device of the hybrid communication network;
Configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the second advertisement message is not received from the second hybrid device in the first predetermined search time interval, The central access point being communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the hybrid communication network via a single communication medium; And
In response to determining that the second advertisement message is received from the second hybrid device in the first predetermined search time interval, determining whether the second device weight associated with the first device weight and the second hybrid device is at least partially And selecting a central access point of the hybrid communication network based on the received data.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the selecting of the central access point comprises:
At least partially based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of the first device weight, the second device weight, a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device, and a second device identifier associated with the second hybrid device, And selecting a central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the selecting of the central access point comprises:
Selecting the first hybrid device as the central access point if the first device weight is preferred over the second device weight;
Selecting the second hybrid device as the central access point if the second device weight is preferred over the first device weight; And
Selecting a hybrid device associated with a preferred one of the first hybrid device or the second hybrid device as the central access point if the first device weight is equal to the second device weight,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method of claim 3,
The first hybrid device is not associated with the preferred device weight, or
Wherein the first hybrid device is associated with the preferred device weight and is not associated with the preferred device identifier
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point in the hybrid communication network,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
Determining whether the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point;
In response to determining that the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point,
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the step of determining whether the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point comprises:
Determining whether a network interface of the first hybrid device is communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the hybrid communication network via a communication medium associated with the network interface; And
Determining that the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point in response to determining that the network interface is communicatively coupled to the network gateway.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the step of determining whether the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point comprises:
Determining, at the first hybrid device, whether a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the first hybrid device;
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the step of determining whether the DHCP server is communicatively coupled to the network interface comprises:
Transmitting a search message from the network interface;
Determining whether the DHCP server is communicatively coupled to the network interface based at least in part on whether a response message was received within a predetermined discovery time interval.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first device weight includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of: whether the first hybrid device is communicatively coupled to the network gateway, device capabilities of the first hybrid device, Determined on a partial basis,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first hybrid device comprises the central access point,
The method comprises:
Adjusting the first device weight by a predetermined factor; And
Further comprising: transmitting, from the first hybrid device, a third advertisement message including the adjusted first device weight.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 11. The method of claim 10,
Receiving, from a third hybrid device of the hybrid communication network, a fourth advertisement message including a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device; And
Further comprising comparing the adjusted first device weight and the third device weight to determine whether the first hybrid device should be configured and maintained as the central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
When the first hybrid device is configured as the central access point,
The method comprises:
Receiving a third advertisement message from a third hybrid device of the hybrid communication network, the third advertisement message including a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device;
Maintaining the first hybrid device to be configured as the central access point if the first device weight is preferred over the third device weight;
If the first device weight is equal to the third device weight,
Comparing a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device and a second device identifier associated with the third hybrid device;
Maintaining the first hybrid device to be configured as the central access point if the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier; And
Configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network if the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier; And selecting the third hybrid device as the central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein configuring the first hybrid device as the standby central access point comprises:
From the first hybrid device, a notification message indicating that the first hybrid device is no longer the central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
The first hybrid device is configured as a standby central access point, the third hybrid device is configured as the central access point,
The method comprises:
Detecting, in the first hybrid device, a first notification message from the third hybrid device indicating that the third hybrid device is no longer the central access point;
Determining that the first device weight is greater than a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device; And
Further comprising transmitting a third advertisement message including the first device weight and indicating that the first hybrid device will be the central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 15. The method of claim 14,
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as the central access point if a response message to the third advertisement message is not received within a second predetermined search time interval,
Wherein the second predetermined search time interval is shorter than the first predetermined search time interval,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 15. The method of claim 14,
If a response message for the third advertisement message is received within a second predetermined search time interval,
Determining whether the fourth device weight indicated in the response message is preferable to the first device weight or if the fourth device weight is equal to the first device weight, Determining a preference for a first device identifier associated with a first hybrid device;
Transmitting, from the first hybrid device, a second notification message indicating that the first hybrid device is no longer competing to become the central access point; And
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as a standby central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first hybrid device comprises the central access point,
The method comprises:
Determining, at the first hybrid device, whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar;
Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a registrar;
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar,
The atmospheric registrar is operable to become a registrar if the current registrar is disabled,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the step of determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar comprises:
Transmitting a registrar search message from the first hybrid device;
Determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a registrar if a response to the registrar discovery message is not received within a predetermined registrar search time interval; And
Determining that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar if a response to the registrar discovery message is received within a predetermined registrar search time interval;
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the first hybrid device comprises a registrar,
The method comprises:
Transmitting a registrar search message from the first hybrid device;
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar if a response to the registrar discovery message is not received within a predetermined registrar search time interval.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. The method according to claim 1,
Determining that the first hybrid device includes an enabled access point in an operational communication band; And
Further comprising the step of the first hybrid device competing to become the current registrar of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the first hybrid device includes an enabled access point in the operational communication band ,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 21. The method of claim 20,
Competing to become the current registrar,
Transmitting, from the first hybrid device, a first registrar advertisement message including a first registrar weight associated with the first hybrid device;
Transmitting a registrar search message from the first hybrid device;
Determining whether a response to the registrar discovery message has been received within a predetermined registrar search time interval; And
If a response to the registrar discovery message is received within the predetermined registrar search time interval,
Determining that the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar;
Configuring the first hybrid device as an atmospheric registrar operable to become a registrar if the current registrar is disabled; And
Determining at least one credential for the first hybrid device based at least in part on the credentials of the current registrar, the communication band configuration of the first hybrid device, and the communication band configuration of the current registrar ≪ / RTI >
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the first registrar weight comprises a plurality of enabled access points associated with the first hybrid device, whether the first hybrid device is communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the hybrid communication network, The first hybrid device is at least partially selected based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of whether it is the central access point and whether the first hybrid device is the current registrar.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein determining at least one credentials for the first hybrid device comprises:
If the current registrar is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands and the first hybrid device is configured to operate on at least a subset of the plurality of communication bands,
Replicating, for each of said subsets of communication bands, said at least one credential for said first hybrid device from credentials of said current registrar; And
If the current registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band,
Determining whether the first hybrid device and the current registrar are configured to operate on the same communication band;
In response to determining that the first hybrid device and the current registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band, determining, from the credentials of the current registrar for the single communication band, Cloning at least one credential for one hybrid device; And
In response to determining that the first hybrid device and the current registrar are not configured to operate on the same single communication band, determining at least one credential for the first hybrid device from the credentials of the current registrar The method comprising the steps of:
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 24. The method of claim 23,
Replicating at least one credential for the first hybrid device and transmitting a credential replica indication; And
Further comprising determining whether the first hybrid device should be a registrar based at least in part on a second registrar weight associated with the current registrar and the first registrar weight,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 22. The method of claim 21,
If the current registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band and the first hybrid device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, determining at least one credential for the first hybrid device comprises:
For a first communication band in which the current registrar and the first hybrid device are configured to operate, out of the plurality of communication bands,
Replicating at least one credential for the first hybrid device from the credentials of the current registrar;
Wherein the first hybrid device is configured to operate and the current registrar is configured not to operate,
And copying replicated credentials for the remainder of the plurality of communication bands.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the step of determining that the hybrid communication network includes the current registrar comprises:
Configuring the first hybrid device to operate on the first operating communication band if it is determined that the current registrar is configured to operate on the first operating communication band of the first hybrid device; And
If it is determined that the registrar is not configured to operate on the first operating communication band of the first hybrid device,
Identifying a second active communication band of the current registrar;
Further comprising determining whether the first hybrid device can be configured to operate on the second working communication band of the current registrar.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 22. The method of claim 21,
Determining that a third hybrid device has sent a second registrar advertisement message within the predetermined registrar search time interval; And
Further comprising comparing the first registrar weight against a second registrar weight associated with the third hybrid device to determine whether to configure the first hybrid device as a registrar,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 28. The method of claim 27,
Wherein comparing the first registrar weight to the second registrar weight comprises:
Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar if the first registrar weight is preferred over the second registrar weight;
If the second registrar weight is preferred over the first registrar weight,
Selecting the third hybrid device as a registrar; And
Configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar; And
If the first registrar weight is equal to the second registrar weight,
Comparing a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device to a second device identifier associated with the third hybrid device;
Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar if the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier; And
Selecting the third hybrid device as a registrar and configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar if the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. A method for automatic selection of an adjustment function in a hybrid communication network,
In a first hybrid device, determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a central access point, the central access point being communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the hybrid communication network via a single communication medium;
In response to determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a central access point,
Transmitting, from the first hybrid device, a first advertisement message indicating an intention of the first hybrid device to become the central access point of the hybrid communication network;
Determining whether to configure the first hybrid device as the central access point based at least in part on whether a second advertisement message has been received from a second hybrid device of the hybrid communication network.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 30. The method of claim 29,
In response to determining that the second advertisement message is received within a predetermined time interval from the second hybrid device,
The method comprises:
Comparing a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device and a second device identifier associated with the second hybrid device;
Configuring the first hybrid device as the central access point in response to determining that the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier based at least in part on the comparing step; And
Selecting the second hybrid device as the central access point in response to determining that the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier based at least in part on the comparing step, Further comprising configuring the device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 30. The method of claim 29,
In response to determining that the second advertisement message is not received within a predetermined time interval from the second hybrid device,
The method comprises:
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as the central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 30. The method of claim 29,
In response to configuring the first hybrid device as the central access point,
The method comprises:
Further comprising configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 30. The method of claim 29,
Determining, at the first hybrid device, whether a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is communicatively coupled to the network interface of the first hybrid device;
In response to determining that the DHCP server is communicatively coupled to the network interface, determining that the first hybrid device should compete to become the central access point; And
Further comprising determining that the first hybrid device should not compete to become the central access point in response to determining that the DHCP server is not communicatively coupled to the network interface.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 30. The method of claim 29,
Wherein the step of determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a central access point comprises:
Transmitting a search message from the first hybrid device;
Determining whether a search response message has been received within a predetermined search time interval;
In response to determining that a search response message has been received within the predetermined search time interval,
Determining that the hybrid communication network comprises a central access point; And
Exchanging communications with the central access point to determine how to configure the first hybrid device;
In response to determining that no search response message has been received within the predetermined search time interval,
And determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a central access point.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. A method for automatic selection of an adjustment function in a hybrid communication network,
Determining whether a first hybrid device of the hybrid communication network includes an enabled access point in an operational communication band;
If it is determined that the first hybrid device includes the enabled access point in the active communication band,
Determining, at the first hybrid device, whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar; And
Determining whether to configure the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network, based at least in part upon determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar; And
If it is determined that the first hybrid device does not include an enabled access point,
Determining that the first hybrid device is not configured as a registrar;
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 36. The method of claim 35,
In response to determining that the hybrid communication network does not include a registrar,
Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network;
In response to determining that the hybrid communication network includes a registrar,
Configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar of the hybrid communication network,
The atmospheric registrar is operable to become a registrar if the current registrar is disabled,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 37. The method of claim 36,
Wherein the step of determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar comprises:
Transmitting a registrar search message from the first hybrid device;
When a response to the registrar search message is received within a predetermined registrar search time interval,
Determining that the hybrid communication network comprises a registrar; And
Determining at least one credential for the first hybrid device based at least in part on the credentials of the registrar, the communication band configuration of the first hybrid device, and the communication band configuration of the registrar.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 39. The method of claim 37,
Wherein determining at least one credential for the first hybrid device comprises:
If the registrar is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands and the first hybrid device is configured to operate on at least a subset of the plurality of communication bands,
Duplicating at least one credential for the first hybrid device from credentials of the registrar for each subset of communication bands configured to operate the first hybrid device; And
If the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band,
Determining whether the first hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band;
In response to determining that the first hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band, determining from the credentials of the registrar for the communication band to the first hybrid device for the single communication band Replicating at least one credential for the at least one credential; And
In response to determining that the first hybrid device and the registrar are not configured to operate on the same single communication band, does not replicate at least one credential for the first hybrid device from credentials of the registrar Comprising:
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 39. The method of claim 38,
Replicating at least one credential for the first hybrid device for each communication band configured to operate the first hybrid device,
The method comprises:
Further comprising determining whether the first hybrid device is a registrar of the hybrid communication network based at least in part on a first registrar weight associated with the first hybrid device and a second registrar weight associated with the current registrar Including,
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 39. The method of claim 37,
Wherein if the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band and the first hybrid device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands, then determining at least one credential for the first hybrid device comprises:
For a first communication band in which the registrar and the first hybrid device are configured to operate, among the plurality of communication bands,
Replicating at least one credential for the first hybrid device from credentials of the registrar;
Wherein the first hybrid device is configured to operate and the registrar is configured not to operate,
And copying replicated credentials for the remainder of the plurality of communication bands.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 39. The method of claim 37,
Determining that a second hybrid device has sent a second registrar advertisement message within the predetermined registrar search time interval;
Comparing a first registrar weight associated with the first hybrid device to a second registrar weight associated with the second hybrid device;
Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar if the first registrar weight is preferred over the second registrar weight;
If the second registrar weight is preferred over the first registrar weight,
Selecting the second hybrid device as a registrar; And
Configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar; And
If the first registrar weight is equal to the second registrar weight,
Comparing a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device to a second device identifier associated with the second hybrid device;
Configuring the first hybrid device as a registrar if the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier; And
Further comprising selecting the second hybrid device as a registrar and configuring the first hybrid device as a standby registrar if the second device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier.
A method for automatic selection of coordination functions in a hybrid communication network. 1. A first hybrid network device,
A processor;
A configuration unit coupled to the processor,
The above-
Transmitting a first advertisement message including a first device weight associated with the first hybrid network device;
Determining whether a second advertisement message is received within a first predetermined search time interval from a second hybrid network device of the hybrid communication network;
Configuring the first hybrid network device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the advertisement message is not received from the second hybrid network device in the first predetermined search time interval, The central access point is communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the hybrid communication network via a single communication medium; And
In response to determining that the advertisement message is received from the second hybrid network device in the first predetermined search time interval, determining whether the first device weight and the second device weight associated with the second hybrid network device are at least partially And to select a central access point of the hybrid communication network,
A first hybrid network device. 43. The method of claim 42,
The configuration unit, configured to select a central access point,
Selecting the first hybrid network device as the central access point if the first hybrid network device is associated with a preferred device weight,
Select the second hybrid network device as the central access point if the second hybrid network device is associated with the preferred device weight,
If both the first hybrid network device and the second hybrid network device are associated with the preferred device weight, a hybrid network device associated with a preferred one of the first hybrid network device or the second hybrid network device And a configuration unit configured to select as the central access point.
A first hybrid network device. 43. The method of claim 42,
After configuring the first hybrid network device as the central access point,
Adjust the first device weight by a predetermined factor; And
And to send a third advertisement message including the adjusted first device weight.
A first hybrid network device. 43. The method of claim 42,
If the first hybrid network device is configured as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network and the third hybrid network device is configured as the central access point,
Detecting a notification message from the third hybrid network device indicating that the third hybrid network device is no longer the central access point;
Determine that the first device weight is preferred over a third device weight associated with the third hybrid network device; And
Wherein the first hybrid network device is further configured to transmit a third advertisement message including the first device weight and indicating that the first hybrid network device is to be the central access point.
A first hybrid network device. 1. A hybrid network device in a hybrid communication network,
A processor;
A configuration unit coupled to the processor,
The above-
Determine whether the hybrid network device includes an enabled access point in an operational communication band;
If it is determined that the hybrid network device includes an enabled access point in an operational communication band,
Determine whether the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar;
Determining whether to configure the hybrid network device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network, based at least in part upon determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar; And
If it is determined that the hybrid network device does not include an enabled access point,
And to determine that the hybrid network device is not configured as a registrar of the hybrid communication network.
A hybrid network device of a hybrid communication network. 47. The method of claim 46,
A configuration unit configured to determine whether the hybrid communication network includes a registrar,
Transmit a registrar search message;
When a response to the registrar search message is received within a predetermined registrar search time interval,
Determine that the hybrid communication network comprises the registrar; And
And a configuration unit configured to determine at least one credential for the hybrid network device based at least in part on the credentials of the registrar, the communication band configuration of the hybrid network device, and the communication band configuration of the registrar ,
A hybrid network device of a hybrid communication network. 49. The method of claim 47,
A configuration unit configured to determine at least one credential for the hybrid network device,
In response to a determination that the registrar is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands and wherein the hybrid network device is configured to operate on at least a subset of the plurality of communication bands,
For each said subset of communication bands, replicating at least one credential for said hybrid network device from credentials of said registrar; And
In response to determining that the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band,
Determine whether the hybrid network device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band;
In response to determining that the hybrid network device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band, determining from the credentials of the registrar for the single communication band, for the hybrid network device Replicate at least one credential; And
In response to determining that the hybrid network device and the registrar are not configured to operate on the same communication band, determine to not replicate at least one credential for the hybrid network device from credentials of the registrar ≪ / RTI >
A hybrid network device of a hybrid communication network. 49. The method of claim 47,
A configuration unit configured to determine at least one credential for the hybrid network device in response to a determination that the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band and the hybrid network device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands; silver,
For the first communication band in which the registrar and the hybrid network device are configured to operate,
Replicating at least one credential for the hybrid network device from credentials of the registrar;
For the rest of the plurality of communication bands, the hybrid network device being configured to operate and not being configured to operate the registrar,
And a configuration unit configured to copy the replicated credentials for the remainder of the plurality of communication bands.
A hybrid network device of a hybrid communication network. 15. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions,
The program instructions,
Transmitting, from a first hybrid device of the hybrid communication network, a first advertisement message including a first device weight associated with the first hybrid device;
Determine whether a second advertisement message is received within a first predetermined search time interval from a second hybrid device of the hybrid communication network;
Configuring the first hybrid device as a central access point of the hybrid communication network in response to determining that the second advertisement message is not received from the second hybrid device in the first predetermined search time interval, The central access point is communicatively coupled to a network gateway of the hybrid communication network via a single communication medium; And
In response to determining that at least the second advertisement message is received from the second hybrid device within the first predetermined search time interval, the second device weight associated with the first device weight and the second device weight associated with the second hybrid device For selecting a central access point of the hybrid communication network based, in part,
Computer-readable storage medium. 51. The method of claim 50,
The program instructions,
After the configuration of the first hybrid device to the central access point,
Receiving, from the third hybrid device, a third advertisement message including a third device weight associated with the third hybrid device;
Compare the first device weight and the third device weight;
If the first device weight is preferred over the third device weight,
Maintaining the first hybrid device to be configured as the central access point;
If the third device weight is preferred over the first device weight,
Configure the first hybrid device as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network;
Select the third hybrid device as the central access point;
If the first device weight is equal to the third device weight,
Compare a first device identifier associated with the first hybrid device and a second device identifier associated with the third hybrid device;
If the first device identifier is preferred over the second device identifier,
Maintaining the first hybrid device to be comprised of the central access point;
If the second device identifier is preferred over the first device identifier,
Configure the first hybrid device as the standby central access point; For selecting the third hybrid device as the central access point
Comprising program instructions,
Computer-readable storage medium. 51. The method of claim 50,
The program instructions,
In response to the determination that the first hybrid device is configured as a standby central access point of the hybrid communication network and the third hybrid device is configured as the central access point,
Detecting, in the first hybrid device, a notification message from the third hybrid device indicating that the third hybrid device is no longer a central access point;
Determine that the first device weight is preferred over the second device weight associated with the second hybrid device;
For sending a third advertisement message including the first device weight and indicating that the first hybrid device will be the central access point
Comprising program instructions,
Computer-readable storage medium. 15. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions,
The program instructions,
Determining whether a hybrid device of the hybrid communication network comprises an enabled access point in the operational communication band;
In response to the determination that the hybrid device includes an enabled access point in the active communication band,
Determining, at the hybrid device, whether the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar;
Determining whether to configure the hybrid device as a registrar of the hybrid communication network, based at least in part upon determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar; And
In response to determining that the hybrid device does not include an enabled access point, determining that the hybrid device is not configured as a registrar.
Computer-readable storage medium. 54. The method of claim 53,
The program instructions for determining whether the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar,
Transmit a registrar search message;
In response to determining that a response to the registrar search message is received within a predetermined registrar search time interval,
Determine that the hybrid communication network includes a current registrar; And
Determining at least one credential for the hybrid device based at least in part on the credentials of the registrar, the communication band configuration of the hybrid device, and the communication band configuration of the registrar
Comprising program instructions,
Computer-readable storage medium. 55. The method of claim 54,
Program instructions for determining at least one credential for the hybrid device,
In response to a determination that the registrar is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands and the hybrid device is configured to operate on at least a subset of the communication bands,
For each said subset of communication bands, replicating at least one credential for said hybrid device from credentials of said registrar;
In response to determining that the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band,
Determine whether the hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band;
In response to determining that the hybrid device and the registrar are configured to operate on the same single communication band, determining from the registrar's credentials for the single communication band at least one Replicate the credentials of; And
Determining, in response to determining that the hybrid device and the registrar are not configured to operate on the same single communication band, deciding not to replicate at least one credential for the hybrid device from credentials of the registrar
Comprising program instructions,
Computer-readable storage medium. 55. The method of claim 54,
Program instructions for determining at least one credential for the hybrid device,
In response to a determination that the registrar is configured to operate on a single communication band and the hybrid device is configured to operate on a plurality of communication bands,
For a first communication band in which the registrar and the hybrid device are configured to operate, among the plurality of communication bands,
Replicating at least one credential for the hybrid device from credentials of the registrar;
Of the plurality of communication bands, the hybrid device is configured to operate and the registrar is configured not to operate,
For copying replicated credentials for the remainder of the plurality of communication bands
Comprising program instructions,
Computer-readable storage medium.

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